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To seize and seize the moment for EU enlargement in the Western Balkans

2022-06-01 14:02:07Pikëpamje SHKRUAR NGA FABRIZIO BUCCI
To seize and seize the moment for EU enlargement in the Western Balkans
Fabrizio Bucci

Russia's unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine is rapidly changing the geopolitical landscape in Europe. After a long time, we have the war on the doorstep again as it challenges the greatest achievement of the European Union: peace on the continent. The EU and its Member States can not stand idly by, and are reflecting on their international role in tackling the new challenges posed by this conflict. The consequences of this conflict are particularly severe for the Western Balkans, whose stability is being further undermined, just at this time when this region is facing other challenges.

Currently, third actors are intensifying efforts to increase their influence in the region and, possibly, to destabilize the Western Balkans. They are actively undermining our credibility, at the mercy of the idea that the European Union does not want the countries of the Western Balkans to join the Union as full members. These actors see the war in Ukraine as an opportunity to further increase their influence and increase their presence in the Western Balkans, to the detriment of the EU and its Member States.

In this complex and increasingly challenging scenario, our partners in the Western Balkans have reaffirmed their commitment to the European Union and its values, embracing a common foreign and security policy. This approach has played an important role in Europe's ability to emerge as a common front in the face of Russian aggression. Meanwhile, the implementation of this position by the Western Balkan countries has had a very high political and economic price, we have to deal with societies already divided on very vital issues, often politicized by domestic policies, aggravated by the economic consequences of the pandemic and exposed to systematic misinformation campaigns.

The conflict in Ukraine is also affecting the EU enlargement process in the region. Following the Russian aggression, Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova submitted their formal application for EU membership. On 11 March, the Heads of State / Government of the EU adopted the Versailles Declaration, through which they recognize Ukraine's European aspirations and choice, with a commitment to support it on its European journey. EU leaders also invited the Commission to submit its opinion on their application for membership, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Treaties.

The Versailles Declaration has resonated throughout the Western Balkans, raising expectations and concerns among governments and public opinion of countries aspiring to join the EU. Now that the EU welcomes legitimate demands from Kiev, Chisinau and Tbilisi, Western Balkan governments are also waiting to see its renewed commitment to accelerate the accession process of their countries, a process that started years ago, but which remains numerous.  

At the same time, there is growing concern throughout the Region that these new developments may set aside the Western Balkans, and consequently put enlargement in the background. We are deeply convinced that expectations must be met, fear removed. and reward positive action. This highlights the importance of renewing the EU's commitment to the Region and, more specifically, the impetus for the new Enlargement Process. 

Almost a year ago, Italy and 12 other Member States agreed on a number of important messages calling for the continuation of the process. of the Western Balkans in the EU, a "geostrategic investment".

In the context of the current crisis, our main messages are just as important, perhaps even more so, compared to a year ago. As the Prime Minister of Italy, Mario Draghi, recently stated in the European Parliament, the full integration of the countries that reflect European aspirations does not pose a threat to the stability of the European project; on the contrary, it is part of the realization of that project. Italy strongly supports the immediate opening of the membership negotiations of Albania and Northern Macedonia, in accordance with the European Council Decision of March 2020. We also want to ensure maximum attention to the legitimate expectations of the other States of the Region and to give a new impetus to these negotiations. . Italy supports the membership of all Western Balkan countries and is very interested in Ukraine's membership in the EU. We must continue the journey to membership, which we have already undertaken, but also act as soon as possible.

If we allow a gap to be created, then this gap will be filled by third parties. The EU must express solidarity and recognize the difficulties facing our partners in the Western Balkans. This can be done by offering these countries immediate economic support packages. in order to strengthen the economies that have been significantly affected by this conflict and that depend on Russian energy supplies, but do not benefit from the compensatory measures valid only for EU Member States. At the same time, it is important to support the region for the diversification of its energy resources and for the realization of the green transition. Welcoming the financial support provided by IPA and EIP funds, we should also think beyond them.

The European Union must immediately regain its role as a provider of stability by sending a strong political message confirming its commitment to the enlargement process in the region. Cyprus has a great transformative force, as it promotes reforms and the embracing of shared values. to give new breath and strength to all the Countries of the region which see their future in Europe. The time has come to welcome Albania, and the other countries of the region, into the European family: let us seize and seize this moment.

* Fabrizio Bucci is the ambassador of Italy in Tirana

 


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