Brussels, 21 February 2024 (MIA) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she will remain a strong supporter of EU enlargement and the Western Balkans if reelected for the next term. 

Speaking at a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday, she said she has always been "a strong supporter of EU enlargement", as well as that she has "made it clear that this will remain a merit-based process". 

"I remain committed to this principle, but I am also pleased that the Western Balkan countries, as well as Ukraine, Moldova, are doing everything they can to carry out the necessary reforms and move towards European Union membership. You will also see me in the next term as a strong supporter of enlargement and the Western Balkans," Von der Leyen said. 

She noted that the process of defining in detail the plan for the six Western Balkan countries is underway, to see what reforms are needed for each country and how to include those countries in the common European market. 

"The work is going very well. There is great enthusiasm from the Western Balkan countries. As soon as the basic conditions are met, the first payments can be made quickly," said Von der Leyen. 

She added that the Growth Plan is "a clear message" of the enlargement process. 

"We have the funds, and this is important," Von der Leyen said. 

Photo: MIA archive