Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, hosted the leaders of the Western Balkans partners on Tuesday in Brussels for a working dinner.
The High Representative and the Western Balkans leaders exchanged views on EU-Western Balkans relations and developments in the region. They expressed regret over the decision of the European Council not to open accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania and agreed that the EU integration of the Western Balkans continues to be a key strategic objective, in the shared interest of the European Union and the region.
In this context, the High Representative and the Western Balkans leaders discussed what has jointly been done and achieved over the past five years. They also reflected on the shared challenges ahead.
Western Balkans partners again confirmed their strong commitment to the EU perspective, to the reforms it entails, first and foremost for the benefit of their citizens, as well as to regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations.