Von der Leyen's trip to the Western Balkans: progress or empty promises?

Von der Leyen's trip to the Western Balkans: progress or empty promises?

On December 4, 2024, Europeans will remember a crucial moment in history: exactly 35 years ago, the Iron Curtain fell and opened the borders to what was then Czechoslovakia. Reinhold Lopatka, head of the ÖVP delegation in the European Parliament, emphasizes that this historic turning point not only marked the end of the division of Europe, but also laid the foundation for the EU's eastward expansion in 2004. In order to continue the achievements of this period, it is now important to move forward quickly with the integration process of the Western Balkan countries into the EU. Lopatka warns: “If we cannot lead the accession process for the countries in the Western Balkans with more credibility, we risk that other influences such as those from Russia, China and Turkey will intensify.”

EU enlargement in focus

At the same time, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is making an important trip to the Western Balkans, starting with a meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana. According to information from DW von der Leyen will meet the heads of government of the six Western Balkan countries by the end of the week. Your visit aims to strengthen the upcoming EU enlargement process and the planned growth plan for the region. The EU Commission plans to soon present progress reports on reforms in these countries to provide clarity on the accession process, which has been ongoing for over two decades. The Western Balkan countries have made varying degrees of progress, but the expectation is clear: the EU wants these states to seriously implement their reforms in order to be integrated into the European internal market.

Von der Leyen's trip is not only a confirmation of the EU's interest in the region, but also a response to geopolitical changes, in particular the Russian conflict in Ukraine. These circumstances make a larger European Union a strategic priority, says von der Leyen. But she also warns against the illusions that could exist in the Western Balkan countries about accession. A really serious commitment on their part is necessary if the EU is to continue to be perceived as a credible partner.