In Athens, the President of the European Commission engaged in informal talks with regional leaders, signaling a resolute push toward deeper EU integration for the Western Balkans. The visit underscored a clear message: the union must bring its potential members closer and accelerate the process that shapes their European future.
Communicating through social channels, the commissioner stressed that partnership with the EU should feel tangible and timely. The goal is to bring forward the opportunities for candidates to participate in European programs, markets, and networks, strengthening bonds with current members and neighboring partners alike.
There was a shared sentiment that closer ties between the EU and its candidate states would translate into practical progress on reforms, interoperability, and shared standards. A representative confirmed that Athens serves as a platform to discuss how applicant countries can align with EU norms and benefit from the union’s economic and political framework more swiftly.
German political circles noted the importance of the Greek capital as a venue for dialogue about the European perspective of neighbors and partners in both the Eastern and Western Balkans. There was an emphasis on tearing down obstacles that hinder collaboration, trade, and mobility across the region, with a commitment to continuous outreach and dialogue.
The spokesperson for the President indicated that the visiting official arrived in the Greek capital following an invitation from the prime minister. The purpose of the gathering was described as an informal dinner with leaders from the Western Balkans and other regional partners to exchange views on the shared path toward EU integration.
This year marks a milestone—the twentieth anniversary of the Thessaloniki European Council—an occasion to reaffirm that all participants in the EU Stabilization and Association Process are potential members of the Union. The sense of momentum reflects a longer-term strategy that has guided the Western Balkans’ path toward Europe since the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The notion of a continuous European perspective has been a persistent thread in the bloc’s approach. The strategy for the Western Balkans, initially articulated in formal documents and reinforced through successive summits, remains a core framework guiding dialogue, reforms, and alignment with European standards. The emphasis is on practical steps—rule of law, democratic governance, market integration, and regional cooperation—that translate into concrete benefits for citizens across the region.
In a climate of ongoing regional dialogue, officials highlighted that progress is measured not only in formal milestones but in everyday improvements: faster regulatory alignment, easier cross-border cooperation, and increased access to EU programs that support growth, resilience, and inclusive development. The overarching objective is to create a credible and sustainable European perspective for Western Balkan states, ensuring that the journey toward membership remains clear, achievable, and closely tied to the reforms underway within each country.