The Western Balkans can always count on the support of Slovenia. We will remain a staunch supporter of the EU enlargement process at full speed. A friend of the region for better or for worse. For example, Slovenia already advocates opening Bosnia-Herzegovina’s EU accession negotiations by the end of this year
By Tanja Fajon*
Last week, Slovenia hosted the Bled Strategic Forum (BSF), a conference known for its traditional discussions about the Western Balkans. Although this year the discussions clearly exceeded the regional focus and had a global scope, the greatest interest was directed to the future of the Western Balkans within the EU. The idea presented by the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, that the EU and the Western Balkans should be ready for enlargement by 2030, resonated greatly. The so-called “Bled promise” did not leave anyone cold-hearted, but raised a question mark for everyone whether both sides can really be ready for the expansion by that date.
My answer to all these questions is clear: the opportunity is here and we must seize it at full speed. We must work towards finding sufficient political will in the Western Balkans for reform and political will in the EU to enlarge. We must focus on the final destination, but we must not overlook the journey.
When it comes to the European Union, EU enlargement is undoubtedly back on the agenda. The geopolitical landscape makes it clear that EU enlargement has no alternative. The war in Ukraine has increased the appetite for enlargement, as well as affirmed the notion that enlargement is a strategic necessity for the EU. In simple words – it’s now or never.
This, of course, does not mean that the EU enlargement criteria will be removed and that the Western Balkans can enter the Union without meeting them. This means that more political attention will be given to the region and that the countries of the Western Balkans will be asked to do so appropriately.
For the EU this means a commitment to reform its decision-making process and to prepare, institutionally and financially. The EU with more than 30 member states at the table simply cannot be as efficient as it should be. Such reform will not be an easy task, but it is necessary. And it is of strategic importance for the EU, on the same level of importance as enlargement.
Skeptics would argue that all these tasks look very difficult until 2030. But realistically there will not be a better offer on the table for the Western Balkan countries and a better opportunity for the Union to improved and adapted to new global realities.
In Bled I unveiled a formula for the future EU in 2030, called in English “3E by 3E”, which includes these goals. The EU of 2030 should be more engaged with the world, be enlarged with the Western Balkans and with our partners in the East, and should have evolved the decision-making process to become more efficient. The EU must approach these processes with eagerness, expedience and experience. I believe there is nothing to add.
The years to come will be neither about perception nor deception. They will be about the hard work on both sides: the Western Balkans and the EU, in order to prepare both sides for EU enlargement by 2030.
These difficult times will require courageous leaders on both sides. Leaders who will look to the future. Leaders who would be willing to put enlargement at the top of their agenda and make the necessary decisions to enable enlargement. Therefore, the European elections will be an important historical moment for the 2030 objective.
Regardless of the elections, the Western Balkans can always count on Slovenia’s support. We will remain a staunch supporter of the EU enlargement process at full speed. A friend of the region for better or for worse. For example, Slovenia already advocates opening Bosnia-Herzegovina’s EU accession negotiations by the end of this year.
Time will tell if President Michel delivered a historic speech in Bled. I hope that Bled’s promise will materialize also because of our magical Bled. The place where the beautiful alpine mountain scenery meets the crystal clear lake water is the best place where miracles can happen.
(The author is the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of Slovenia)
