TIRANA, June 5 – Leaders of the European Union and the Western Balkans are gathering in Tivat for the EU–Western Balkans Summit, reported europeanwesternbalkans.com. Meanwhile, the meeting focuses on accession negotiations, the implementation of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, gradual integration proposals for candidate countries, and regional cooperation.
Ahead of the summit, European Western Balkans journalist Sofija Popović interviewed European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos on the future of enlargement policy and current developments in the region.
Kos said a new dynamic has emerged in the enlargement process. She added that the European Union message to the Western Balkans is that progress continues. In addition, she said Montenegro and Albania are clearly moving into the next stages of the accession process. She also highlighted positive momentum ahead of the summit in Tivat.
At the same time, she said discussions on new integration models bring fresh energy to the debate. She noted that the EU still uses a methodology similar to the one applied decades ago when Spain and Portugal joined. However, she said the geopolitical context has changed and requires adaptation.
Kos also supported the idea of gradual integration. She said it could show citizens the benefits of EU alignment before full membership. Meanwhile, she stressed that merit-based progress remains essential. She underlined rule of law, anti-corruption, human rights and media pluralism as core requirements.
She added that reforms under the Growth Plan are moving slowly in several countries. She explained that funding is performance-based. As a result, payments depend on the implementation of agreed reforms.
Kos said Albania has met key interim requirements in the rule of law area. However, she said the process now moves into the more demanding phase of closing negotiation chapters.
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