The EU Summit for the countries of the Western Balkans risks becoming yet another disappointment on the timeline of the integration process for this region, as countries are still given no ‘green light’ in terms of the continuation of their European journey.
In a draft declaration of the summit expected to take place on October 6 in BRDO, countries of the Western Balkans are no longer referred to as candidates for EU membership, but simply as partners of the European Union. The draft also emphasizes that the European perspective for the region is still part of the agenda but Europeans have ceased to talk about deadlines or possible dates for these countries’ process of integration.
“The EU reconfirms its commitment to the enlargement process and its decisions taken thereon, based upon credible reforms by partners, fair and rigorous conditionality and the principle of own merits,” – reads the declaration.
A few days ago, the international news agency Reuters, reported that the EU will no longer guarantee the integration of countries of the Western Balkans into the EU. Reuters also warned that no date would be determined during the Summit, for Albania or North Macedonia.
In the declaration, countries in the Western Balkans are asked to dedicate themselves to European values and the consolidation of their democracies, the fight against crime and corruption, human rights as well as the autonomy of their press.
The EU also asked its so-called partners to recognize the contributions given to them by the union thus far, and make sure to mention them publically.
“So far, the EU is the closest partner to the region, the biggest investor and the biggest donor,” – continues the draft declaration.
In any case, the declaration can change if member countries reflect on these decisions.
In regards to the pandemic, the draft states that the EU will continue to offer support to the Western Balkans through vaccines and the same goes for the economy.
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