Von der Leyen to tour Western Balkans, but Bosnia and Serbia left off itinerary

Von der Leyen's visit is scheduled to take place from September 30 to October 2, with stops planned in Tirana, Pristina, Podgorica and Skopje.

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia have been left off the current itinerary due to upcoming elections in the two countries, with the European Commission president expected to visit them at a later date.

This will mark the sixth consecutive year in which von der Leyen has toured the Western Balkans.

During the three-day trip, she is expected to meet heads of state and government in Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia and visit projects financed by the European Union.

EU integration in focus

According to the European Commission, the talks will focus on the next steps Western Balkan partners need to take on their path towards EU membership, as well as progress in their gradual integration into the bloc.

The EU's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, designed to bring some of the benefits of EU membership to the region ahead of accession while supporting reforms and economic convergence, will also feature prominently in the discussions.

The Commission recalled von der Leyen's message at the EU-Western Balkans summit in June, when she reiterated that the future of the region lies within the European Union.

"The Union will not be complete without the Western Balkans," von der Leyen said at the time.

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia are expected to receive separate visits from the European Commission president at a later date.