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Macron: EU enlargement to Western Balkans is a geopolitical priority
🇬🇷 Greece /Elections & Politics

Macron: EU enlargement to Western Balkans is a geopolitical priority

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • French President Emmanuel Macron proposed a gradual accession process for Western Balkan countries into the European Union.
  • Macron stated that if a candidate country adopts EU regulations in a specific sector, it should gain the right to participate in related EU processes.
  • He emphasized that the integration of the region into Europe is a matter of significant geopolitical importance for the continent's stability and autonomy.

French President Emmanuel Macron has put forward a proposal for a phased accession of Western Balkan nations into the European Union. Speaking from Montenegro, Macron suggested that countries adopting EU regulations in specific sectors should be granted the right to participate in related EU processes.

Macron clarified that France and Germany are advocating for an "enhanced gradual accession process." This initiative is slated for discussion at an EU summit with Western Balkan countries in Tivat. The French president underscored that integrating the region into a "united Europe" is a crucial geopolitical priority, essential for the continent's independence in critical areas like energy, security, and migration.

He also sought to allay concerns from Western Balkan nations regarding potential impacts of France's 2027 presidential elections on the enlargement process. "There are always people who write disaster scenarios to justify inaction," Macron remarked, encouraging optimism. "I see that you believe in yourselves, continue! The rest will follow."

There are always people who write disaster scenarios to justify inaction. I see that you believe in yourselves, continue! The rest will follow.

— Emmanuel MacronFrench President Macron's remarks to reassure Western Balkan countries about the enlargement process.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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