EU Enlargement & Neighbourhood
The EU prioritises development and stability in the wider region and neighbourhood, working in close partnership with its neighbours to the East and South and supporting the reforms required by countries that want to become EU members.
At 10 November 2020 Western Balkans Sofia Summit, leaders from the region agreed to strengthen cooperation in order to develop a common regional market and to implement a green and digital transition. The EU endorses and supports these commitments, which will be instrumental to boosting socio-economic development and accelerating the region’s path towards the European Union.
While Serbia faces increasing numbers of new daily cases of COVID-19 and more people are hospitalised, the European Union continues to honour its commitment to stand by the country and its people. The EU funds have now secured the employment of about 200 medical and administrative staff as well as new equipment to effectively help people in need across Serbia.
The Commission adopted on 6 October 2020 the Enlargement package and the Economic and Investment plan for the Western Balkans. The Enlargement package assesses the state of implementation of reforms and presents recommendations to the six Western Balkans partners on their continued path towards the EU. The major Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans aims to accelerate the long-term economic recovery of the region, support a green and digital transition, and foster the region’s integration and convergence with the EU.
The first edition of the EU – Western Balkans Media Literacy Conference took place on 29 September gathering fact-checkers, youth, journalists and authorities from the Western Balkans, the EU and beyond discussing media literacy and fight against disinformation. The Conference conclusions stress the need for all actors – EU, local authorities and civil society - to invest in education, engage with youth, support professional journalism and fact-checkers in order to strengthen democracy and counter disinformation.
20/09/2020 - On September 12, I had a videoconference with my fellow foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The European Union shares many common views with this organisation. And in particular the will not to align with China or the US in the growing strategic rivalry between them. We must and will strengthen our ties.
01/12/2019 - HR/VP Josep Borrell presents himself and his agenda at the occasion of taking office as the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission.
