Košta: An enlarged European Union means a safer, stronger and more peaceful Europe
BRUSSELS – President of the European Council Antonio Košta stated in Brussels after the EU-Western Balkans summit that an enlarged European Union means a safer, stronger and more peaceful Europe. As he said, “today’s summit sent a clear message – we firmly support the future of the Western Balkans in the European Union.” “Enlargement remains key to our common goals. It is the right choice for three reasons. First, from a geopolitical perspective. An enlarged European Union means a safer, stronger and more peaceful Europe. Second, because enlargement strengthens our shared prosperity. Every previous enlargement has proven this,” said Košta.
According to him, the third reason is that the European Union remains an attractive and credible project and must meet the expectations it creates. “Enlargement is now moving faster than in the last 15 years. And we must seize this opportunity. Enlargement is a merit-based process, not a race or competition between candidates. Those who move faster should not be held back by others. On the contrary, they should set the pace and serve as an inspiration to all,” said the President of the European Council. Košta assessed that good progress has been made over the past 12 months. “Montenegro’s path to the EU has clearly accelerated. Just this week, five accession chapters were successfully closed. Albania has managed to open all negotiating clusters in a very short time, the last one only in November. Next year will be their moment of truth for accelerating reforms,” said Košta. As for North Macedonia, he added, steps to strengthen regional connectivity are welcomed. Speaking about Bosnia and Herzegovina, Košta recalled that it adopted its Reform Agenda, a necessary step for access to the Growth Plan, which will enable it to make full use of the support potential of the European Union and gradual integration. “As for Kosovo, we welcome the steps taken to build trust between communities.
The upcoming parliamentary elections can be a key moment for consolidating reforms and constructive engagement on the European accession path,” he said. Košta added that, in addition to the technical details of the process, there is a fundamental political choice to be made – a choice between remaining trapped in the past or moving forward toward a shared future in the European Union, a choice between division or reconciliation and cooperation, which are the very pillars of the European Union. “Only by overcoming the past can the Western Balkans fully assume its role as future EU members and contribute to a stable, prosperous and united Europe. The road ahead of us will not be easy. Some reforms will be difficult, but they pay off. And I believe that our partners are committed to achieving the goals,” said the President of the European Council. Košta emphasized that enlargement is a deeply transformative process. “We must maintain this momentum. That is why we will support our partners every step of the way. The EU is, and will remain, the most reliable partner of the Western Balkans. All are part of the European family, and the European Union is their place,” concluded Košta. (December 17)
