Western Balkans Leaders Convene Durres for Brdo-Brioni Summit on EU Integration

Western Balkan leaders are convening in Durrës, Albania, for the annual Brdo-Brijuni Initiative Summit, focusing on the region's European integration and the implementation of the EU's €6 billion Growth Plan to accelerate economic development. The summit, chaired by Albanian President Bajram Begaj and co-chaired by Slovenia's Nataša Pirc Musar and Croatia's Zoran Milanović, includes participation from presidents and high officials of Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia. Key topics include strengthening regional cooperation, youth policies, retaining a skilled workforce, and advancing reforms for EU accession. The Brdo-Brijuni Process, established by Slovenia and Croatia in 2013, aims to promote dialogue, mutual cooperation, and support the Western Balkans' path towards EU membership. Joint conclusions are expected to be adopted to further enhance cooperation and progress, with emphasis on EU enlargement as a tool for stability, peace, and security in the region. The summit underlines the EU's commitment to providing financial instruments and support to aid integration and tangible benefits for citizens of the Western Balkans.