The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, hosted a dinner, on Wednesday 11 May, for the leaders of the six Western Balkan countries to discuss, among other things, the impact of the war in Ukraine.
“I am always keen to hear about the concerns of these leaders regarding the situation, on how we can address the consequences of the war together, how they foresee our join actions to defend the rules and values, and how to deal with the negative impact of Putin’s war on food, energy and stability in this shared continent”, he explained ahead of the meeting.
Mr Borrell said the EU and the Western Balkans must work together to prevent Russia from exploiting each other’s vulnerabilities. “We will act together to address Russia’s disruptive actions directly in the region with disinformation and cyber attacks”, he explained.
The High Representative also called on those Western Balkan countries that have not aligned themselves with the EU on sanctions against Russia to do so.
The dinner will also allow Mr Borrell to prepare for the discussion on the Western Balkans at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday 16 May. After a discussion among themselves, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs will meet their counterparts from the region for lunch. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)