European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday that efforts are underway to bring the economies and markets of the six Western Balkan countries closer to the European Union.

An X post after her working lunch with top officials from the Western Balkans said that all six countries belong in Europe. “This is what we are working on. In parallel, we are bringing their economies and markets closer to ours with our €6 billion Growth Plan for the region,” she added.

Today I received the leaders of the six Western Balkan partners.

All six countries belong in Europe.

This is what we are working on.

In parallel, we are bringing their economies and markets closer to ours with our €6 billion Growth Plan for the region. pic.twitter.com/FDk7fPeXLc

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 19, 2024

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in an Instagram post that the meeting discussed the plans of the new European Commission, and everything done on the country’s European agenda. “It is up to us to try, fight and meet the criteria, starting with the rule of law and the reform agenda and to see what we can do for companies and our economy. We want an open Western Balkans, we want security and a better life for our citizens,” Vucic wrote.

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A post shared by Aleksandar Vučić (@buducnostsrbijeav)

European Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi said in an X post after a one-on-one meeting with Vucic that ambitious reforms are being launched based on the Serbian Reform Agenda.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti called the EU to consider Pristina’s request for membership and revoke the measures it imposed on Kosovo for failing to de-escalate tensions in northern municipalities, a statement from his cabinet said after the working lunch. He is quoted as saying that the expansion of the Union is the best response to anyone jeopardizing peace and unity in Europe.