The Party of European Socialists (PES) today strongly welcomes the EU’s show of support for a European future for the Western Balkans. The EU-Western Balkans summit is a milestone on a historic journey towards EU membership for countries in the region.

Ahead of the EU summit, the PES held an online meeting with the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament (S&D), representatives from the EU institutions, and leaders and high-level representatives of the sister parties from the Western Balkans. Socialists and democrats have supported fellow progressives in the region as they have worked tirelessly to achieve a future in Europe.

PES President Sergei Stanishev said:

“Today’s progressive pre-summit meeting with our sister parties was an opportunity for our family to take stock of the progress that has been made and to signal, once again, our support for this process.

“Western Balkans countries stand at this milestone because of the hard work and dedication of leaders like Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and former North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev. Only through their efforts have we reached this point. Albania and North Macedonia have undertaken tough and necessary reforms and have shown their commitment to European ideals time and time again.

“It is very welcome that the EU is now showing its commitment, after some hesitation earlier this year from some Member States. For the European progressive political family it is clear, the Western Balkans deserve the chance of a European future.”

The progressive political family has long supported a European future for the Western Balkans, welcoming the green light for accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia earlier this year. Ahead of the EU-Western Balkan summit, the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament also adopted a declaration of support.(ends)