French President Emmanuel Macron called on the European Union on Wednesday to give the Western Balkans a clear perspective on joining the bloc, advocating a "strong and independent Europe" and a new security order "Europe with NATO concerning Russia." Pročitaj više

„We must no longer distance ourselves from the Western Balkans (…) We should give them a clear perspective of joining the Union within a reasonable time,“ Macron said in a speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

However, he added that the EU could not accept new members right now, saying that changes were needed within the Union to enable „faster, clearer and more efficient decisions“.

„We need a strong Europe that can respond to climate, technological and digital challenges; we need an independent Europe that will decide its future and not depend on other powers,“ he said.

Besides calling for a „new security order“ for Europe with NATO concerning Russia, Macron said an „honest and demanding“ dialogue with Moscow was needed.

„The security of our continent requires the strategic rearmament of our Europe as a force of peace and balance, especially in dialogue with Russia,“ he added.

Macron also said the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights should embrace the right to abortion and environmental protection.

He also said that the EU and Great Britain „must find a way of mutual trust“ after the UK left the Union in January 2020.