Josep Borrell, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has called on the leaders of the Western Balkans to make courageous, strategic decisions. He emphasized the importance of fostering good neighborly relations through dialogue and compromise, highlighting these as essential steps toward the region's integration into the European Union.

During an informal meeting with regional leaders on Wednesday in New York, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Borrell reiterated the EU’s support for the Western Balkans on their European path. He noted that EU membership is within reach, provided that key reforms are implemented with renewed determination.

“Borrell stressed the importance of good neighbourly relations, achieved through dialogue and compromise, as crucial steps toward EU integration. The region’s leaders must make bold, strategic decisions to advance their European aspirations,” stated the European External Action Service (EEAS) in a press release.

The statement also noted that the meeting addressed pressing geopolitical challenges, particularly in the wake of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and China’s efforts to expand its economic influence. Borrell underscored the need for strategic alignment with the EU to preserve regional stability.

The meeting was attended by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Becirovic, President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, President of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanovic.