“Enlargement is a two-way process” says President von der Leyen during travel to the Western Balkans.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen travelled to the Western Balkans for the sixth consecutive year last week, where she reiterated the EU's support for the partners' paths toward EU accession. Her visit was also the occasion to emphasise that, while candidate countries are making progress, the EU must also be ready to welcome them.

President von der Leyen praised the progress made by Montenegro and Albania, both frontrunners in the accession process. In Montenegro, she underlined the country's readiness, saying: “My first message is this: we believe in Montenegro '28 by 28'. And we will support you all the way. (…) The finish line is in sight. And crossing it would send a powerful signal across the Western Balkans: reforms deliver. And EU membership is within reach.” While in Albania, she praised the progress made by the country: “Albania is among the frontrunners in our accession process. Since I was last here, Albania has made remarkable progress. You opened the final cluster of negotiating chapters. And in July, you closed your first three chapters. Including external relations. This is important progress.”

During her tour, the President of the Commission highlighted the need for the EU to ensure the Union is ready to welcome new Member States. She underlined the upcoming pre-enlargement policy reviews, which will have a look at what needs to be improved or changed. She declared: “You are getting ready. And so are we. Because enlargement is a two-way process. (…) That is why next week we will present our pre-enlargement policy reviews. We will look at our institutions, our policies, and our budget. All that has to be done to be ready to welcome a new Member State and to make sure our Union is ready to become larger in all the policies and institutions that we have.”