Given the increasing areas of tension in the Western Balkans, the heads of state and government meeting for a European Council on Thursday 9 March, are expected to use the opportunity of this meeting to emphasise the EU’s commitment to supporting stability in the region and strengthening its economic and political links there.
According to a draft of the conclusions obtained by EUROPE, the European Council will discuss the situation in the Balkans, during dinner, and is expected to reassert, “its unequivocal support for the European prospects” of Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia. It is also expected to explain that, “the EU remains committed to the region and all the different levels, to support stability and deepen the economic and political ties” with it. Despite the Europeans highlighting this region’s European prospects, this does not mean that the Balkan countries do not have to do anything with regard to reform, explained one national source. In their conclusions, the heads of state and government are therefore expected to highlight the importance of these countries continuing the reforms, developing good neighbourhood relations and participating in inclusive regional cooperation initiatives.
The “fragile” situation in the Balkans is a cause of concern to the Europeans and is expected to remain under scrutiny. Several parliaments in the region are the subject of a boycott, inter-ethnic tension is high and the Europeans are also concerned about the role played by other international actors, such as Russia, in the region. No mention of this issue, however, is expected to be made in the summit conclusions. On Monday 6 March, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on her return from the region, as well as a number of foreign ministers, were already not attempting to conceal their concerns in this connection (see EUROPE 11739).
Part of the dinner will also focus on defence questions. According to the draft conclusions, the Council is expected to call for work on the Europe of defence to be stepped up. Welcoming the work undertaken by foreign and defense ministers on 6 March, (see EUROPE 11739), heads of state and government are expected to explain that, “on the basis of this dynamic… the work should continue with determination and increased swiftness”. Defense is again expected to be the subject of the discussions during the European Council in June this year. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)