EU, Western Balkans agree to strengthen strategic partnerships

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - The EU and Western Balkan countries agreed to strengthen partnerships Tuesday to cope with the effects of the Ukraine war.

EU Council President Charles Michel said the region has significantly aligned recently with the EU's visa policy.

"Many of us have decided to accelerate the accession process of the Western Balkans. The war in Ukraine has amply demonstrated this," Michel said at a news conference after a EU-Western Balkans Summit in the Albania capital of Tirana. The summit was held for the first time in the region.

- Energy support from the EU

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the effects of the war in Ukraine, energy, migration and education were discussed during the summit.

''The EU will provide energy support of €1 billion to the Western Balkans -- half of which will be direct budget aid and the other half will be infrastructure aid,'' she said.

- Membership process, fight against irregular migration, cooperation in education

Von der Leyen said starting Tuesday, universities in the Western Balkans have been included in the EU's system and the way for students in the region to study at EU universities physically and remotely has been paved.

- ‘Comply with the EU's foreign policy’ message

The declaration of the summit emphasized strategic cooperation between the EU and Western Balkans and the EU's commitment to enlargement in the region.

It was stated that countries in the region should carry out expected reforms in law, independence of the judiciary, fight against corruption and organized crime, human rights, minority rights, gender equality, strong civil society, independence and pluralism of media and respect for freedom of expression.

The EU also expects regional countries to act in harmony with the EU's common foreign policy and restrictive measures.