The strategic partnership between
the European Union and the Western Balkans is more important
than ever, given the radical change in the global geopolitical
situation, Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and the conflict
in the Middle East, as well as the start of the new EU
leadership cycle." This is what is stated in the joint statement
of the EU-Western Balkans summit. The text emphasises that "the
future of the Western Balkans is in our Union" and notes that
"there is a new dynamism in the enlargement process and
significant progress since our last Summit." Regarding the
Balkans' willingness to "commit to fundamental European values
and principles," the text emphasises that "actions will speak
louder than words, as partners take responsibility and implement
necessary reforms, particularly in the field of fundamentals."
The leaders then emphasised how the "European geopolitical
context" necessitates "unity and solidarity" in strong support
of Ukraine, and praise "the Western Balkan partners who are
already fully aligned" with the EU's foreign and security
policy, while urging those who have not yet done so to "follow
their example."
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