Von der Leyen: the future of the Western Balkans is in the EU
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the future of the Western Balkans lies in European Union membership, during her State of the Union speech at the European Parliament on Wednesday.
Why is this important: The statement reaffirms the EU’s commitment to enlargement at a time when candidate countries, including Albania, are pushing to accelerate accession negotiations and align with EU policies.
Context: Von der Leyen emphasized Europe’s need for unity and independence, linking it to Ukraine’s fight for self-determination.
“When we speak about independence, we speak about choosing our own destiny. That is what Ukraine is fighting for. And that is what all Europeans deserve. Because Europe is an idea, the idea of freedom and mutual strength,” she said.
She recalled the historic reunification of East and West after 1989, stressing that the idea is just as powerful today.
“This is why we are bringing future member states closer to our Union. We must maintain the pace of this merit-based process,” she added.
Von der Leyen concluded by underlining the EU’s strategic role as a security guarantor:
“The future of the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova is in the EU.”
Next steps: EU leaders are expected to continue discussions on enlargement criteria in the coming months, as countries in the Western Balkans push to open or close negotiation chapters before the end of the decade.
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