Page 36 - bne_Magazine_March_2018

36 I Southeast Europe bne March 2018
European Commission unveils Western Balkans enlargement strategy
Valentina Dimitrievska in Skopje, Denitsa Koseva in So a
The European Commission adopted on February 6 a new enlargement strategy for the Western Balkans, setting 2025 as the target for Serbia and Montenegro to become members.
The strategy, which comes after years of neglecting the region that in turn raised fears of instability, is expected also to counter the growing influence of Russia and China in the Balkans. The document marks a shift in tone since European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said in 2014 there would be no EU enlargement in the foreseeable future.
The six Western Balkan countries – Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina,
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Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia – are at different stages of the EU integration processes, with only Montenegro and Serbia having already started accession negotiations.
The EU also pledged enhanced engagement in the region to help the Western Balkan countries to prepare for membership.
The strategy, dubbed 'A credible enlargement perspective for and
enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans', confirmed the EU future of the region as a geo-strategic investment in a stable, strong and united Europe based on common values.
“With strong political will, real and sustained reforms, and definitive solutions to disputes with neighbours, the Western Balkans can move forward on their respective European paths,” Juncker stated in an address to the European parliament on February 6.
"Today we confirm that the door of our union is open for the Western Balkans”