EU – Western Balkans Summit, 13 December 2023

One year after the 2022 Summit in Tirana, the leaders of the EU and the Western Balkans met in Brussels for their fourth annual Summit. The Summit was an opportunity to reaffirm the EU accession perspective of the Western Balkans, as well as the need for steady and irreversible reform achievements from the partners, based on EU values and principles. At the end of the Summit, the Brussels Declaration was issued.
The EU’s goal is to bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU, paving the way for accession and delivering concrete benefits to their citizens already during the enlargement process. To this end, the EU intends to explore additional measures aimed at further promoting gradual integration. The EU also emphasizes the importance of fully utilizing the potential of existing legal instruments. The EU welcomed the determination of Western Balkan partners to respect and commit to core European values and principles, in accordance with international law. The EU is ready to consider the proposals outlined in the new development plan, recently presented by the Commission, to strengthen the economic integration of the Western Balkans with the EU.
During the Summit, EU and Western Balkan leaders assessed the progress made in various areas, such as: digital connectivity, including regarding the reduction of data roaming costs – mutual recognition of university diplomas and professional qualifications within the region – transport and connectivity, including regarding EU – Western Balkans green and blue lanes – continued implementation of the economic and investment plan, with €16.6 billion already mobilized. The EU also warmly welcomed the establishment of a new College of Europe school in Tirana and the launch of the application process for the first academic year 2024-2025.
In order to mitigate the effects of Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine, the EU aimed to intensify its political cooperation with the Western Balkans region, in addition to the assistance already provided. The EU will continue to support Western Balkan partners in addressing the negative impacts on their economies and societies. The EU recalled its decision to open its joint purchasing mechanism for natural gas and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to the Western Balkans, and urged partners with gas markets to use it to reduce their dependence on Russian natural gas.
Finally, the Summit provided an opportunity to discuss coordinated actions on security and defense issues, which have become even more relevant due to Russia’s attack on Ukraine. These include combating foreign information manipulation and strengthening collective cybersecurity.