Declaration Adopted At EU-Western Balkans Summit

EU-Western Balkans Summit (Photo: Beta/Nebojsa Tejic/STA)

The EU leaders, in agreement with leaders of the Western Balkans, adopted a declaration at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Brdo near Kranj, affirming the Union's dedication to the enlargement process and announcing the intensifying of joint engagement in the comprehensive transformation of the region. 

The declaration did not state any deadlines or dates regarding the enlargement process. The text reads that the EU reaffirmed its unequivocal support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans and welcomed the commitment of the Western Balkans partners to the European perspective, "which is in our mutual strategic interest and remains our shared strategic choice." 

"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. We will further intensify our joint engagement to take forward the region’s political, economic and social transformation, while acknowledging the progress made by the Western Balkans," it was stated in the declaration.

"The Western Balkans partners reiterate their dedication to European values and principles and to carrying out necessary reforms in the interest of their people. The credibility of these commitments depends on the meaningful implementation of necessary reforms, and building a solid track record underpinned by clear and consistent public communication. An empowered civil society and independent and pluralistic media are crucial components of any democratic system and we welcome and support the role they play in the Western Balkans," the declaration reads.