The leaders of the EU and its Member States are expected, according to a draft declaration of the EU/Western Balkans summit on 6 October, obtained by EUROPE, to announce the intensification of their joint commitment to “advance the political, economic and social transformation of the region” of the Western Balkans.
In this so-called Brdo Declaration draft, from the office of the President of the European Council dated 6 September and sent to Member State delegations for discussion on 8 September, leaders are expected to reaffirm the EU’s unequivocal support for the Western Balkans’ European perspective.
In order to further promote their common interests, they are expected to announce their intention to “reinvigorate and strengthen” the regular political dialogue with the region. The draft mentions the possibility of a new summit during the Czech Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2022.
Recalling that “the EU is by far the closest partner, the largest investor and the largest donor in the region”, the statement said that the “unprecedented” scale and scope of this support should be fully recognised.
In the eight-page declaration, the EU welcomes the Western Balkan partners’ reaffirmation of their commitment to the primacy of democracy, fundamental values and the Rule of law, as well as their continued efforts to fight corruption and organised crime, support good governance, human rights, gender equality and minority rights. The credibility of these commitments depends on the effective implementation of the necessary reforms, the document warns.
EU support will also depend on these reforms. The declaration states that increased support will continue to be linked to tangible progress in the rule of law and socio-economic reforms and adherence to European values, rules and standards.
The document recalls that the EU has presented an economic and investment plan for the region (see EUROPE 12575/10) which should, among other things, give a new impetus to strengthening connectivity in all its dimensions, both within the Western Balkans and with the EU.
By the time of the summit, a roadmap could be adopted for reducing roaming costs between the EU and the Western Balkans, as well as an agenda for innovation, research, education, culture, youth and sport for the Western Balkans.
Furthermore, the EU is expected to underline its support for the Western Balkans’ commitment to inclusive regional cooperation and the strengthening of good neighbourly relations, including with EU Member States. The leaders of the countries in the region will reportedly be called upon to make “additional and decisive efforts to fulfil their commitment in establishing a regional common market” and both sides should agree to intensify their efforts to strengthen the integration of the Western Balkan market into the EU single market.
The EU also recognises the region’s commitment to fully implement the Green Agenda, pledging its continued support, including technical and financial assistance.
EU and Member State leaders are also expected to emphasise political and security cooperation, calling in particular for enhanced cooperation in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism and resolute action to combat serious and organised crime. The deepening of cooperation in the field of the Common Foreign and Security Policy and in the fight against disinformation and hybrid threats is also mentioned.
Welcoming the continued efforts of the Western Balkans and their “constructive cooperation” on migration, the EU will reportedly recall that migration policy is a common challenge, to be tackled together in close partnership. The EU is ready to continue its commitment and to strengthen its support through a tailor-made and comprehensive approach, the draft states.
Finally, the declaration underlines that the Covid-19 crisis has highlighted the need for and benefits of the close and effective partnership between the Western Balkans and the EU. It says it is ready to further improve access to vaccines and “to ensure greater predictability and resilience to future crises”. “The EU will support the vaccination plans of all partners to help achieve vaccination rates similar to those of the EU by the end of 2021”, adds the document, which also acknowledges the “valuable” support of the Western Balkans to their immediate neighbours and to the EU during the pandemic.
While the declaration is made on behalf of EU leaders and Member States, their counterparts in the Western Balkans could “align themselves” with it. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)