BERLIN: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday urged the six Western Balkan nations aspiring to join the European Union to choose the “right side of history” amid growing concerns over Russian influence in the region.
Speaking at a summit in Berlin focused on fostering stronger ties and preparing the Balkans for eventual EU accession, von der Leyen warned of the risks posed by Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine.
The summit, attended by leaders of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, was part of the Berlin Process, established in 2014 to promote cooperation in the Western Balkans and facilitate their path towards EU membership.
The region, geographically surrounded by EU member states, has long been seen as a potential candidate for the bloc but has faced numerous political and economic challenges.
Von der Leyen acknowledged that for many years, EU enlargement was not a possibility, but noted that “Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine has brought clarity,” stressing that the choice to align with democracy and international law is more pressing than ever.
She emphasized the importance of moving away from Russian influence, which has deep historical ties with some Balkan states, particularly Serbia.
Last month, the EU warned Serbia that its close ties with Moscow were incompatible with its bid to join the European Union. Serbia, heavily reliant on Russian gas supplies, has not imposed sanctions on Russia since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Milorad Dodik, president of Bosnia’s Republika Srpska (RS) and another Kremlin ally, has also raised concerns within the bloc. The EU is monitoring how such relationships may hinder the region’s progress towards membership.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz joined von der Leyen at the summit, which also marked the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process. Germany presented new agreements aimed at building a Common Regional Market within the Western Balkans.
The agreements include harmonizing investment policies with EU standards, collaboration on research and innovation, and allowing students from the six countries to attend each other’s higher education institutions.
