Skopje, 21 May 2026 (MIA) - Enlargement is a strategic response to the new geopolitical reality and an investment in stability and economic growth, said Vladimir Drobnjak, former chief negotiator in Croatia's EU accession negotiations and an expert of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), in remarks at a panel discussion of the National Euro-Integration Council on Thursday.

Drobnjak said geopolitics was not a word uttered aloud until recently, when the European Parliament adopted a resolution in March, which has reaffirmed the new trend in the whole enlargement approach.

"Enlargement is a strategic response to the new geopolitical reality and EU's most important investment in its stability," said Drobnjak while referring to the events in Ukraine and other hostilities, and added that completion of the European project is of enormous importance for the Western Balkans.

Referring to the country's strategic importance, Drobnjak highlighted its NATO membership, as well as its position along Corridors VI, VIII and X from an economic and security standpoint.

"What each candidate-country gets in the process should be utilized as an extra opportunity. As history has shown on many occasions, the advantageous moment does not last forever. Let me repeat and highlight the words from the European Parliament - geopolitics is, at the end of the day, a matter of personal interest, and regardless of cost, it requires difficult compromises. Greece can tell you a lot about this, as can Croatia. We have made many compromises and they should not be perceived as political decisions but an investment in your own country," said Drobnjak.

He said that geopolitics is a new dimension that must be fully utilized, noting the segment of security in the Western Balkans in the context of "escalating global powers, the war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East."

Drobnjak said the European Commission has characterized enlargement as a key component for the entire Union, aimed at building partnerships and protecting economic security.

The European Council, he added, reaffirms the commitment to enhancing relations, partnerships and support to the reform agenda.

"The exact date of the next enlargement, whether it is 2028 or 2029, is still unknown and it impossible to predict, but it would be good if that day comes before the end of this decade. Both sides - candidate states and the EU - need to fully prepare for this enlargement," underlined Drobnjak and reaffirmed the need for reforms.

Photo: MIA