The enlargement of the European Union is an investment in our collective strength and security, said today the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, within the framework of the Strategic Forum in Bled, Slovenia, reported the Slovenian edition of the regional TV En1 , quoted by BTA.
„Enlargement is an investment in our collective strength and security. In other words: we want a strong, competitive and secure Europe. Therefore, the EU must include the Western Balkans as well as Ukraine and Moldova, as well as all countries whose actions are in line with European efforts”, Von der Leyen said in his opening address at the 19th Strategic Forum in Bled.
In her words, under her leadership, the European Commission has given a new impetus to the expansion, including because of the Russian aggression in Ukraine. She recalled that negotiations with Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia, as well as with Ukraine and Moldova, began during her mandate. Next, according to her, should be Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Von der Leyen added that the EU allocated six billion euros for the growth of the Western Balkans a year ago and the first results are already visible. According to her, already this month the six countries of the Western Balkans will adopt reform projects, according to which funds will also be paid under this plan.
„This is a big step forward. It is important because the EU is reinventing itself in new latitudes. We want our partners in the Western Balkans to take an active part in the talks about the future of the European Union”, emphasized the President of the EC.
She added that she would like the expansion process to be accelerated. Therefore, he intends to appoint a European Commissioner to the new commission, who will deal only with enlargement.
In her words, when new countries join the EU, it is important to respect democratic values. “So the EU members, as well as the countries of the Western Balkans, will be faced with difficult decisions. Bilateral disputes must be resolved. European integration will depend on governments having to make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions. However, we live in such times. Postponing decisions means making wrong decisions”, she concluded.
Today is the opening of the 19th edition of the Strategic Forum in Bled under the title “World of parallel realities”. The forum will continue until September 3.