German Foreign Minister seeks to enhance EU integration for Western Balkan nations.

Berlin (dpa) – Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul aims to enhance the EU enlargement process involving the Western Balkan nations, highlighting Croatia’s pivotal position. “We require renewed energy for enlargement now – for Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkan countries,” Wadephul stated during a meeting with Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlić Radman in Zagreb. “I hope Croatia will take on an active and shaping role as a partner,” he added.

Among the Western Balkan nations, Montenegro is regarded as the most advanced in the EU accession journey, though no specific date for its accession has been established. The EU has been in accession talks with Montenegro and Serbia since 2012 and 2014, respectively. Negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia commenced in 2022. Bosnia and Herzegovina holds candidate status but has yet to begin negotiations. Kosovo is considered a potential candidate for accession.

Wadephul: Accession is Geopolitical

Wadephul emphasized that EU accession transcends mere technicalities and involves geopolitics. “We must not allow autocrats to dominate our neighborhood through disinformation and corruption or lead us into new dependencies,” he cautioned, without specifically naming countries such as Russia and China. He stated that alongside the enlargement process, the EU must undertake internal reforms to effectively address geopolitical challenges while maintaining a robust democratic union.

Wadephul asserted that Croatia plays an essential role in the enlargement initiative. “You understand the challenges of the accession journey from your own experience, making you bridge builders for the Western Balkans.” He described Croatia as “a key for Europe’s continued growth, both in membership and in strength, cohesion, and influence.” Croatia has been a member of the European Union since mid-2013 and is also part of NATO.

Radman: Warning Against Geostrategic Vacuum

Radman noted that Croatia is actively engaged in the EU’s negotiation efforts with the Western Balkan nations. “We do not want third-party influences in these countries,” he stressed. The Western Balkans must not be left “in a geostrategic vacuum.” He added: “The Western Balkans are part of Europe; geopolitically and geostrategically, they belong in the EU.” (August 25)