Western Balkans is an integral part of Europe, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said ahead of her Balkan tour this week, when she will visit Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. She also emphasised the geopolitical necessity to support the region's six countries on the way to the European Union with all the power, particularly in the light of “Russian brutal imperialism.”

“We cannot afford to tolerate any grey areas in Europe, and together we must do everything we can to protect flanks which Russia could use for its policy of destabilisation, disinformation and subversion. This includes helping the countries of the Western Balkans to strengthen their democratic institutions, improve their resilience and offer their people economic prospects. As the EU, we have the joint task of ensuring that we ourselves are fit for the future while placing more chairs around the European table. Only together will we succeed in laying a firm foundation for peace, freedom and security in Europe,” said Baerbock.

Her visit to Sarajevo was announced last week.

Speaking of Bosnia's integration path, she emphasised that the country is at a “decisive crossroads” in the accession process.

“Last year, the European Council decided to open accession negotiations as soon as the relevant criteria are fulfilled. Along the path towards the EU, the leaders in Sarajevo need to take steps to consistently implement the necessary reforms. The adoption of the law to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing was one such European reform requirement. In view of the local elections due to take place in October, tackling electoral reform with an integrity package is now crucial. Free and fair elections are the foundation of a democratic society. In this context we are taking a determined stand against those who, through their divisive fantasies, are hampering Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress towards the EU and calling European values into question,” she underlined.