The summit between the EU and the leaders of the Western Balkans took place in Tirana on Tuesday 6 December. The Forum represents a decisive step to bring the six countries of the region closer to the 27 EU Members and to remove them from the Russian and Chinese influence that for now, especially in the Serbian case, has shown a remarkable success. The main topics of discussion have been: cooperation to address the consequences of the war between Russia and Ukraine, in particular in the energy sector; collaboration to address the challenges posed by immigration through the Balkan route and, finally, the alignment of States with a common foreign and security policy.
EU enlargement:
The summit played a key role in the integration process of the Balkan countries. With regard to the diplomatic chaos resulting from the summit on the integration into the EU of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, that took place last June in Brussels, the EU sent a more proactive message in Tirana - namely, a "enhanced cooperation" with the countries of the region to address the consequences of the war in Ukraine. The conclusions' draft quotes: "The EU reaffirms its full and unequivocal commitment to the prospect of EU membership of the Western Balkans and calls for the acceleration of the accession process that is in our mutual interest". The specific case of Kosovo, which announced its intention to submit its candidacy to the EU by the end of the year, is more complex due to the non-recognition of its unilateral declaration of independence (2008) by Spain, Greece, Slovakia, Romania, and Cyprus.
Finally, European leaders stressed the importance of continuing reforms, especially those aimed at strengthening the rule of law, the functioning of the judicial system and the war against corruption and organised crime.
The energy crisis:
In addition, in Tirana there was discussion of European support (totalling EUR 3.5 billion) for the region to deal with the consequences of the war. The new support package prepared by the EU will help the Western Balkans mitigate the impact of the energy crisis and accelerate the transition and energy independence through the REPower EU Plan. In addition, Brussels is opening up to Balkan participation in joint purchases of gas and hydrogen to ensure supply at reasonable prices.
Migration:
On the issue of immigration, the Western Balkans have seen a dramatic increase in flows this year. This represents a 77% increase over 2021, with 281 thousand irregular crossings. Strong European financial support will enable partners to improve asylum systems, strengthen border protection with the involvement of Frontex and combat organised crime. On the migrant front, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said at the end of the Summit: "As Italy we are in a pincer. The subject of the Balkan route is very important to us. For the first time the European Commission has put the theme of the Mediterranean route as a priority together with the defense of borders. It had never happened. Today it did".
Common Foreign and Security Policy:
The Summit was also an opportunity to discuss common actions in the areas of security and defence. Serbia has been the focus of attention because it is determined not to impose sanctions against Russia. President Von der Leyen said that the Balkan countries must decide which side they are on: on the side of democracy, represented by the European Union, friend and partner. Or if they want to take a different path», inviting the six countries of the region to take a stand against authoritarian states such as Russia and China. «Russia and China are trying to influence the region, but the EU is the biggest investor and the closest partner for the Western Balkans», concluded Von der Leyen.
They also argued the war against corruption, organized crime, information manipulation and the improvement of the cybersecurity sector.
Finally, a roaming agreement was signed to reduce telephone charges. Charles Michel, President of the European Council, said: "this is an important step for greater integration", stressing the benefits of the agreement for "companies, contacts between people, and tourism".
Translated by Cristiana Azoitei
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L'Autore
Valentina Ruaro
Sono laureata in Scienze Internazionali e Diplomatiche presso l'Università di Bologna e attualmente sto frequentando il corso di laurea magistrale in Studi sulla Sicurezza, l'Intelligence e la gli studi strategici, con un percorso accademico che include prestigiose istituzioni come l'Università di Glasgow, l'Università di Trento e l'Università Karlova di Praga.
Nel campo accademico, collaboro come autrice per Mondo Internazionale, affrontando temi fondamentali sul ruolo delle organizzazioni internazionali, con particolare attenzione all’Unione Europea e alla NATO. Inoltre, per coinvolgere un pubblico più ampio, produco anche contenuti su Instagram per MI Post. Attualmente, sto svolgendo un tirocinio presso il NATO Defense College a Roma, dove approfondisco le mie competenze nell'ambito dell'educazione, della sicurezza e della difesa.
Ho maturato esperienza nel settore della ricerca lavorando per l'European Army Interoperability Centre di Bruxelles, concentrandomi sull'interoperabilità degli stati membri e sul ruolo esterno dell’UE.
I miei interessi ruotano attorno alla geopolitica, alla CSDP dell'UE, alla difesa NATO, con un focus geografico sulla regione Euro-Atlantica e il Medio Oriente, in particolare la Siria.
Motivata dall'empatia e da una determinazione incessante per il cambiamento, sono pronta a continuare a plasmare conversazioni e azioni nel campo della sicurezza internazionale e della difesa.
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I hold a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Diplomatic Affairs from the University of Bologna, and I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Security, Intelligence, and Strategic Studies. My academic journey includes esteemed institutions such as the University of Glasgow, the University of Trento, and Charles University in Prague.
Within the academic realm, I collaborate as an author for Mondo Internazionale, addressing pivotal topics concerning the roles of international organisations, particularly focusing on the European Union and NATO. Additionally, I engage a broader audience by creating content on Instagram for MI Post. I am currently interning at the NATO Defense College in Rome, further honing my skills in the education, security, and defence sectors.
I have gained research experience while working at the European Army Interoperability Centre in Brussels, where I focused on member states' interoperability and the EU's external role.
My interests revolve around geopolitics, EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), and NATO defence, with a geographical focus on the Euro-Atlantic region and the Middle East, specifically Syria.
Driven by empathy and an unwavering determination for positive change, I am prepared to continue shaping discussions and actions in the field of international security and defence.
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Summit UE-Balcani occidentali Organizzazioni internazionali integrazione difesa e sicurezza Energy crisis Immigrazione Unione Europea Cooperazione