Ursula von der Leyen to tour Western Balkans next weeek
Photo: Ursula von der Leyen
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to embark on a tour of the Western Balkans next week, visiting six countries in the region.
Why is this important: The tour signifies the European Union’s ongoing commitment to strengthening relationships with the Western Balkans and supporting their path toward EU integration.
Context: Von der Leyen’s itinerary begins on Wednesday in Tirana, Albania, where she will meet with Prime Minister Edi Rama and participate in the inauguration of the College of Europe’s campus. This event marks a significant step in fostering educational and cultural ties between the EU and Albania.
On Thursday, she will meet with Albanian President Bajram Begaj before traveling to North Macedonia. Her visit there is expected to focus on reinforcing political cooperation and discussing the country’s progress toward EU membership.
Later that day, von der Leyen will visit flood-affected areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By assessing the situation firsthand, she aims to demonstrate the EU’s solidarity and support for disaster recovery efforts in the region.
On Friday, the European Commission President will head to Serbia for political and institutional meetings. Discussions are likely to cover a range of topics, including Serbia’s EU accession process and regional stability.
She will conclude her tour on Saturday with visits to Kosovo and Montenegro. In both countries, von der Leyen is expected to engage with leaders to discuss ongoing reforms, regional cooperation, and the EU’s role in supporting their European aspirations.
This comprehensive tour underscores the EU’s dedication to the Western Balkans at a crucial time, as the region navigates challenges related to political reforms, economic development, and alignment with EU standards.
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