European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker will visit the 6 Western Balkan countries from 25 to 28 February. Although President Juncker’s agenda has not yet been finalized, the European Commission sources say he is expected to arrive in Albania on February 25. The main message of Juncker’s visit is expected to be the enlargement of the union with the Balkan countries before the May 17 summit.
The main message of President Juncker’s visit is the essence of the European Commission’s strategy of 6 February on the European Union’s approach to the Balkans region not only for the geo-strategic importance of the region but also for the 6 specific priorities supporting this strategy. It will be an opportunity for President Juncker to talk with country leaders, political class and civil society to explain our strategy. This is a significant moment, as all leaders will then gather together with President Juncker and Bulgarian Prime Minister Borisov at the Sofia May 17 summit.
President Juncker begins his visit with Macedonia and Albania, but the European Commission does not provide further details if the European executive leader announces a positive recommendation for opening negotiations with the two countries in Skopje and Tirana.
“I will not speculate on any activity that will happen during President Juncker’s tour of the Balkans. I think our messages, including Albania and Macedonia, are clearly explained in our February 6 communication. I think that the prospect of a commitment to a credible expansion is embedded in our strategy in the right context and appropriate sequences. I would not go beyond the 6th February strategy”.
President Juncker will finish his visit to the Balkans with a visit to Sofia./tvklan.al
