European Union foreign ministers will debate the situation in the Western Balkans on May 10, N1 was told on Friday by EU Council sources.

The ministers will discuss the region’s path to EU membership and the Union’s geostrategic approach to the Western Balkans with the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue as one of the key points. EU special envoy Miroslav Lajcak will inform the meeting about progress in the dialogue and plans to continue it at the top level in June.

Key points of discussion include the influence of third countries in the region with Brussels wanting to increase its influence.

“The EU does not aspire to being the only presence in the region but it’s important for us to be present and to lead the game,” a high-ranking EU official said, adding that Brussels is concerned about the delay in enlargement and feels that it has caused added frustration in the region which is why the EU has to have a greater presence and engagement in the Western Balkans.

The Council sources said that the EU has a strategic interest in the region because its stability affects the stability of the rest of Europe.