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The countries of the Western Balkans, which have fully harmonized their policies towards Russia with the policies of the European Union (EU), will be offered expanded political engagement with the European bloc.
Also, these countries are expected to be invited more often to EU summits.
A working document discussed by EU foreign ministers on May 16th said representatives of Albania, Montenegro and northern Macedonia could be invited to attend selected meetings of the EU Council and preparatory bodies. foreign policy.
European diplomats discussed the situation in the Western Balkans at a regular meeting on Monday, as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues. Their counterparts from countries in the region joined European ministers in an informal debate.
The EU is pressing Serbia for sanctions against Russia
According to sources from the meeting, some Foreign Ministers of EU member states have warned that it is necessary for Serbia to impose sanctions on Russia, as well as other countries in the region.
Ahead of the meeting, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reiterated the importance of EU support for sanctions by all partners in the Western Balkans, “not only in terms of common values, but also in matters of strategic importance”.
A document that was the subject of discussion between EU ministers and to which Radio Free Europe has access, suggests that Serbia is expected to decide on its strategic choice.
“Serbia is expected to leave no doubt in its strategic choice for European integration and commitment to EU values in order to advance on the path to EU membership. Full commitment is needed on accelerated EU-related reforms, especially in the area of rule of law. “Serbia is the key to stability and security in the region,” the document said.
That various ministers were pressuring Serbia to impose sanctions on Russia was also acknowledged by Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Sellakovic, who confirmed at the end of the meeting that some countries had “explicitly made it known” that Belgrade was expected to respect EU policy against Russia.
Sellakovic, but also other sources from the meeting confirmed that only Hungary has supported Serbia and its position on the consequences after possible sanctions.
The EU says it welcomes the fact that Kosovo as a whole has supported the West’s positions on the war in Ukraine, although it is not formally required to do so.
As previously announced, the meeting also discussed the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, mediated by the European bloc.
The dialogue for the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, mediated by the European Union, started in 2011.
The parties have reached dozens of agreements, but most of them have not been implemented on the ground.
On May 14, the foreign ministers of the group of seven most industrialized countries in the world (G7) called on the two countries to engage constructively in dialogue and reach an agreement on the normalization of relations.
Also, regarding Kosovo, sources said that visa liberalization should happen as soon as possible.REL/
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