Skopje, 1 July 2025 (MIA) – For the first time in the history of Europe, if we do it right in the enlargement process, we could unify our Europe. Europe cannot be united without the Western Balkans, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos told leaders from the Western Balkans in Skopje on Tuesday. 

Citing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, she pointed out that the next great European project needs to be "building an independent Europe, a Europe in which we decide our future for ourselves". But to do that, Kos said, first we have to strengthen our competitiveness, second - defend our democracies against external adversaries, third - take the security of our continent into our own hands, and finally, take the last steps in the unification of Europe, meaning enlargement based on common values and principles. 

"For the first time in the history of Europe, if we do it right in the enlargement process, we could unify our Europe. Europe cannot be united without the Western Balkans. I hear the same sentiment echoed in EU capitals, in Copenhagen - Denmark is taking over the Presidency today, in Berlin, in Warsaw, and in Paris. And I'm stressing this here because I want to be very clear, there is a clear consensus for further enlargement now. It wasn't the same in the past, but the window of opportunity might not be there forever, and we are seeing significant progress," Kos said.  

She highlighted the progress made by Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. She noted that Albania has opened three clusters, in the past six months, thanking the country for "contributing to the success of the enlargement process". 

"If we go on like this, we will be able to open all the clusters this year and, as I have told you yesterday, I'm looking forward to celebrate opening the last cluster. And last Friday, Montenegro closed yet another chapter. In Bosnia and Herzegovina the reform agenda has been adopted, and we are waiting for new government Mr. Kurti, to finally, really put a lot of energy into the accession process, and we are already moving in Serbia and I hope we will be able to soon move on. But, this is the accession process. Today, we are here about the Growth Plan," said Kos.   

The EU Enlargement Commissioner added that she wants to help the Western Balkan countries to come over the finishing line. 

"I know that the fundamental reforms we are demanding from you are not easy. They touch established power structures, they challenge vested interest, and in many ways they demand a profound societal transformation, and they need you - the leaders, to drive that change," Kos pointed out. 

In her opening remarks, she also expressed condolences for the victims in the Kochani nightclub fire. 

"Many young lives lost, so many others injured, and some are still treated in hospitals. I have often thought about the loved ones of the victims and how actually nothing is more important than family and community. It is good to know that in those difficult days, other Europeans, the European community could help. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism immediately coordinated air evacuations and some of the victims were treated in hospitals as far away as Sweden, Spain or Latvia. But it was your neighbours, Serbia, Greece and Bulgaria, who responded fastest and took care of many of the injured. Europeans show solidarity for each other," said Kos. 

Photo: MIA