Yesterday, the heads of state and government of the European Union and the Western Balkan countries met in Albania, who discussed the support of the Western Balkan region and cooperation in the fields of security, economy and education, including the accession of the countries of the region to the European Union.
"Estonia firmly supports the accession of the Western Balkan countries to the European Union and the development of close relations with the region. In the changed security situation, we have to cooperate more than before and support those countries that share the same values and understandings of a Europe aimed at the growth of people's well-being," said Prime Minister Kaja Kallas Estonian politician. in Tirana.
According to the Prime Minister, the journey to membership of the European Union is a partnership. "The European Union is the closest cooperation and trade partner of the Western Balkan countries and the main source of investments. The war started by Russia against Ukraine has made our cooperation and partnership more important than ever before," said Kallas.
"During the meeting, we took important steps to bring the European Union and the countries of the Western Balkans closer together, such as joining the EU common market, lowering roaming fees, access to education and youth programs, participation in joint gas procurement and security cooperation. These are important agreements for speeding up the accession process of the countries of the region and continuing with reforms," the Prime Minister added.
At the summit, the European Union's billion-euro aid package for the energy sector was approved, which supports Western Balkan countries and companies in coping with high energy prices and investments in renewable and environmentally friendly energy carriers. The aid package is part of the region's pre-accession aid. The opening of the energy market and joint gas procurement were also discussed.
The integration of the region with the common market of the European Union was also discussed, and the gradual lowering of mobile roaming charges between the EU and the Western Balkan countries was agreed upon. Opportunities open up for young people to participate in Erasmus+ study migration and European Solidarity Corps projects. In addition, new Western Balkan Economic and Investment Plan projects were agreed upon, as well as the strengthening of security and defense cooperation through the European Peace Fund.