URGENT UPDATE: Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, has just announced that the Western Balkans should be the top priority for EU membership. This statement comes as part of a broader commitment to support Ukraine’s EU aspirations but emphasizes that obligations to Balkan nations take precedence.
Speaking to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Tajani stressed that while Italy backs Ukraine’s journey towards joining the EU, the focus must remain on the Balkans. “We support Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, but the Balkans come first, as we have certain obligations to those countries,” he stated.
This declaration is significant in the context of ongoing discussions about EU expansion. Earlier today, Tajani reassured that Ukraine will continue to receive support, asserting that “Kiev must follow its path towards EU membership.” However, he also noted that the outlook for Ukraine joining the EU anytime soon is uncertain.
Adding to the complexity, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s EU membership timeline, explicitly ruling out the possibility of accession by 2027. This sentiment was echoed by officials from Hungary, Poland, and Austria, who share concerns about the pace of Ukraine’s integration into the EU.
Meanwhile, countries in the Balkans, including Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, as well as Georgia and Moldova, currently hold official candidate status for EU membership. This highlights the EU’s commitment to the region, particularly as it navigates the complex geopolitical landscape.
The implications of Tajani’s remarks are profound, indicating a shift in focus that could reshape the EU’s approach to expansion. Experts suggest that strengthening ties with the Balkans could enhance regional stability and foster economic growth.
As this story develops, observers are keen to see how European leaders will respond to Italy’s call for prioritizing the Balkans in the EU membership discussion. Will this lead to more concrete actions or commitments from the EU towards these candidate countries? Stay tuned for updates as this critical situation unfolds.
