Leaders of European Union (EU) countries and Western Balkans They met this Monday in the Albanian capital Tirana, at a meeting marked by the war between Israel and Hamas and the possible expansion of the European club in the not too distant future. This last argument also led some leaders, including the Head of Government, to Pedro SánchezThey will emphasize that Russia won the war in Ukraine A new step for integration The number of candidate countries in this region is increasing even more, as the EU says it is convinced that it is necessary to eliminate all forms of instability in the European neighborhood.
“Russia’s aggression against Ukraine a turning point. Regional cooperation is the best way to integrate. We have reached a critical moment for the continent,” Sánchez said. “We must prepare to receive New members for 2023. “I know there are some doubts about a set date, but we need a date that will push us to work further,” European Council President Charles Michel said.
same idea at the same time Supported by GermanyIt is one of the European powers that most closely follows the EU accession processes initiated by the six countries in the Balkans that are not yet part of the European club (Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia). “Russia’s war against Ukraine shows how important it is to talk to it a European voice“said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, according to statements compiled by Efe.
Bargain
European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen wanted to be a little pragmatic and suggested a “new approach”. growth plan”. Secondly, if fulfilled, it would allow accession countries to benefit from more favorable conditions. negotiating with the EUVon der Leyen said after coming under a wave of criticism in recent days after supporting Israel’s attack on Gaza without demanding that it respect international law.
This last issue formed the major background of the meeting, as Sánchez’s words made clear; Sánchez used this opportunity to once again advocate “the solution to the problem.”two states For Israel and Palestine to coexist in peace and security.
In another episode, Michel once again insisted on the need to achieve success. A stable peace between Kosovo and SerbiaAt a time when the dialogue towards the normalization of relations has stalled again. “We cannot allow bilateral conflicts to hold us hostage,” Michel said. “The solution may be more painful than the reform, but it must be implemented. Let’s not let them ghosts of the past steal ours future“, taken into account.
Action and fast
However, it also left its mark on the meeting. reproaches. Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania and host of the meeting, said, “broken promises“created by the EU”deep division”, as he put it in an open criticism of the EU.
“The biggest political challenge is between EU members and non-EU members. Can we accommodate these divisions?” Rama asked. “I say this geopolitical panorama is developing rapidly and action needs to be taken, and faster” he finished.