European Council President Antonio Costa will visit the Western Balkans this week to reaffirm the European Union's commitment to the region, the Council of the EU announced on its official website. Costa will also co-host the sixth European Political Community summit, which will be held on 16 May in Tirana, BTA reports.
During his visit, he will meet with political leaders from the region to underline the importance of the renewed momentum in the EU enlargement process and strengthening relations with the Western Balkans.
„Strengthening cooperation with the Western Balkans is a key political priority for the EU and for me personally. "I am visiting the region to discuss with leaders the current challenges and to show that the EU is ready to help. There is a clear momentum for enlargement, but the momentum needs commitment and follow-up," Costa was quoted as saying on the European Council's website.
The official tour begins tomorrow in Belgrade, where Costa will meet Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Prime Minister Đuro Macut and members of parliament. Later that day, he will arrive in Sarajevo, where he will address troops from the EU mission EUFOR “Althea” and meet members of the Bosnia and Herzegovina presidency.
On Wednesday, Costa will visit Podgorica for talks with Montenegrin President Zoran Milatović, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and other government officials. He will then travel to Pristina, where he will meet with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani.
On May 15, Costa will be in Skopje, where he will meet with North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. On the same day, he will visit Tirana, where he will hold talks with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and President Bajram Begaj. A meeting with students from the local branch of the College of Europe is also planned.
On May 16, Costa will co-host the sixth summit of the European Political Community (EPC) in Tirana. The forum brings together countries from across the European continent and provides a platform for deeper political coordination. The main theme this year is: “A New Europe in a New World: Unity - Cooperation - Joint Action“. The meeting will focus on security issues and will include three thematic round tables, where leaders will discuss their visions for the future of Europe.