Within the framework of the European Union (EU) – Western Balkan countries Summit, the development plan and the issue of enlargement were discussed.
“Elchi” reports that the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated this at a press conference held in Tivat after the Summit, together with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović.
“We all confirm that the Western Balkans belong to the European Union, this is very clear. This is not just a promise for the future, it is a strategic choice we have made. We are implementing this choice through investments, closer cooperation, and, of course, the belief in moving forward together. Within the framework of the summit, we mainly discussed two topics. The first was the development plan, and the second was enlargement. The development plan is important because it already ensures gradual integration into the single market across various sectors. We are opening sectors of the single market to Western Balkan companies. In return, the Western Balkan countries must carry out reforms to create equal conditions for benefits.”
EC President believes that these are very concrete and practical steps:
“So far, we have allocated investments in the amount of 675 million euros. The next tranche amounts to 540 million euros. For example, these funds are directed towards projects such as high-speed internet for 75,000 households, railway electrification, or the creation of preschool education places. Along with this, these projects also have a significant impact on the Western Balkan business environment. For example, SEPA – the Single Euro Payments Area has already been implemented in four countries of the Western Balkans.”