At the Bled Strategic Forum, European Council President Charles Michel stated that the European Union (EU) must be poised for enlargement by the year 2030. Michel emphasised that a more potent EU necessitates a stronger and safer Europe, suggesting it’s high time for the EU to grapple with its expansion agenda.
Highlighting that the Western Balkans’ European journey began 25 years ago, Michel lamented the slow progress, which has disillusioned many, both within the region and the EU. “The cornerstone for prospective member states remains the enforcement of rule of law, resolving judicial matters, and addressing bilateral conflicts,” Michel concluded.
Post the Western Balkans panel at the forum, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić remarked that Serbia has met all prerequisites to initiate Cluster 3. She asserted that full-fledged EU membership is the most suitable path for Serbia, benefiting both the nation and the EU. Brnabić emphasised Serbia’s EU membership as a priority and advocated for accelerated Serbian Euro-integration processes in cooperation with Brussels.
This year, the Bled Strategic Forum, attended by senior officials from various countries and the EU, operates under the theme “Solidarity for Global Security”. Among the participants are prime ministers and foreign ministers from the Western Balkan six.
The event in Slovenia also witnesses the presence of premiers from several EU member states, including Slovenia, Croatia, and Bulgaria. High-profile attendees also encompass European Council President Charles Michel and the EU’s Special Representative for the Western Balkans, Miroslav Lajčak.
Representing Serbia at the forum are Prime Minister Ana Brnabić and Foreign Affairs Minister Ivica Dačić.