Prime Minister at the EU-Western Balkans Summit: We opt for strengthening the transatlantic ties
06.10.2021
Emphasising the importance of the European Union Enlargement Policy and economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic – these were the main topics discussed during the European Union-Western Balkans (EU-WB) Summit in Brdo (Slovenia). As Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stressed – Poland, together with Central European countries, represents a strong voice for the integration of Western Balkan countries into the EU in order to increase development opportunities as well as maintain stability and peace in Europe. The meeting of EU and WB leaders ended with the adoption of a joint declaration, in which the EU reiterated its support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans. An informal meeting of EU heads of state and government was also held on 5 October. The leaders discussed current issues concerning Europe's security, transatlantic cooperation and the rise of energy prices in Europe.
EU leaders confirmed their unequivocal support for the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries. Regional initiatives contributing to the reflection on the future of the continent within the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe were well received. The discussions at the Summit also addressed the issue of strengthening the EU's commitment to socio-economic recovery, sustainable development of the region and post-pandemic recovery on the basis of an Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.
Leaders from both the EU and the Western Balkans also had the opportunity to exchange ideas on how to deepen political dialogue, security cooperation and strategic engagement, as well as to reaffirm their shared commitment to work toward a strong, stable and united Europe.
Joint declaration of the leaders of the European Union and the Western Balkans
In the declaration, the EU reiterated its unequivocal support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans. It reaffirmed its commitment to the enlargement process, based on the partners' credible reform efforts. It also confirmed its continued commitment to furthering political, economic and social changes in the region, while acknowledging the progress made by the Western Balkans.
The Western Balkan partners reaffirmed their commitment to European values and principles as well as the commitment to carrying out the necessary reforms in the interest of their citizens.
Materials
DeclarationDeklaracja_z_Brda,_6_października_2021_r.pdf 0.26MB
Informal meeting of EU heads of state and government
An informal meeting of EU heads of state and government was also held on October 5. The leaders discussed current issues concerning European security, transatlantic cooperation and the rise of energy prices in Europe. One of the topics of discussion among EU leaders was also the issue of increasing the EU's ability to act autonomously through a single market and through standards in the areas of climate, energy or digital and industrial policy, equal opportunities, reciprocity in relation to the issues of EU security and defence. The Prime Minister emphasised that the growing concern about digital threats and cyberterrorism could be noticed during the talks.
The issue of rising energy prices in the European Union was also addressed. “During the Summit, as one of several people, I outlined the risks associated with energy prices. To a large extent, they are artificially shaped by the limitation of deliveries by Russia and Gazprom. I am convinced that the voice of the Prime Minister of Spain and mine were quite powerful,” said the head of the Polish government. This topic will also be on the agenda of the next European Council meeting planned for 21-22 October in Brussels.
