site.btaEU Enlargement Commissioner: Europe Cannot Be United Without Western Balkans

Europe cannot be united without the Western Balkans, said European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos on Tuesday at the opening of the EU–Western Balkans Leaders’ Meeting in Skopje. The forum focuses on accelerating the implementation of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. Leaders of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro are participating, with North Macedonia hosting the event.

The meeting was initially scheduled for March but was postponed due to a tragic fire at a nightclub in Kocani, where 62 people died and nearly 200 were injured. Kos expressed solidarity with the victims and praised the immediate assistance provided by neighbouring countries, including Serbia, Greece and Bulgaria.

The Commissioner underlined the need for greater competitiveness, protection of democracy, and taking responsibility for Europe’s security. She stressed that unification of the continent means enlargement based on common principles and values, noting that there is a clear consensus on future enlargement, which will not remain open-ended.

She highlighted the importance of the Western Balkans to the EU and reaffirmed her personal commitment to supporting the region. According to her, key reforms are challenging as they affect entrenched power structures and require deep social transformation, but strong political leadership is crucial for the process to succeed. She reminded that the Western Balkans Growth Plan is entirely in the hands of the regional leaders and is a tool designed to support critical reforms in their countries.

North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the region must work together as neighbours and partners to build a prosperous, inclusive and European future. He called for inclusive participation in the European path, saying citizens, businesses and communities should feel the benefits of integration in their daily lives.

The first panel of the meeting is focused on the Growth Plan, while the second will discuss concrete mechanisms and support for its implementation. Ministers from the region, EU representatives, regional organizations and international partners are participating. Topics include reforms related to EU funding, consumer protection, tourism, and economic integration into the EU single market.

The EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, launched by the European Commission in October 2023, aims to boost the region’s economic development and bring countries closer to the EU. It includes EUR 6 billion in financial support for reforms and investments in key sectors such as energy, transport and digital transformation, through grants and concessional loans to increase prosperity and stability across the region.