Brnabic at GLOBSEC Urges EU to Boldly Admit Western Balkans

At the GLOBSEC 2026 Global Security Forum in Prague, Serbian Parliament speaker Ana Brnabic issued a strong call to the European Union: make a bold political decision and admit the entire Western Balkan region. Brnabic articulated a vision where the Balkans, upon joining the EU, would significantly enhance Europe's political, economic, and strategic standing. This plea comes at a time when the region grapples with lingering non-armed conflicts and a sense of stagnation in its EU accession process.

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I believe this is a political and strategic decision that needs to be made, just as it was when Bulgaria and Romania became EU members.

Brnabic expressed her bewilderment at the EU's current approach, characterizing it as a moving target where the goalposts are constantly shifting. She posited that admitting the Western Balkans should be a straightforward decision, given the region's relatively small population of 17 million. More importantly, she highlighted that EU membership is crucial for cementing peace in a region still scarred by conflict, framing the EU as history's most successful peace project.

She critically observed a regression in international relations, likening the current global climate to the 19th century where international law and the UN Charter are increasingly disregarded. In this context, Brnabic finds it paradoxical that an entire region is actively seeking EU membership, only to be met with administrative hurdles like changes to family law or the implementation of ODIHR recommendations – conditions she noted the EU itself has not always fully met. She argued that these issues would be more easily resolved once the region is integrated into the EU framework.

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We don’t need commissioners, the EU has too many.

From our perspective at N1 Serbia, Brnabic's address at GLOBSEC is a powerful articulation of Serbia's and the wider region's aspirations and frustrations. Her proposal to potentially forgo a commissioner or veto power signals a pragmatic approach, prioritizing integration and stability over procedural complexities. She rightly points out that the EU's own strategic interests are served by a stable, integrated Western Balkans. The message is clear: the EU needs to demonstrate leadership and strategic foresight by embracing the region, thereby reinforcing its own geopolitical position and fulfilling its promise as a force for peace and prosperity. This is not just about Serbia; it's about the future of a continent.

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We don’t need a veto, and we don’t need a commissioner. We need the EU for our citizens and our jobs, and we believe we will make Europe stronger, politically, economically, and strategically.