Every European Union Summit is an important event, both symbolically and practically. This is because in politics symbolism is an essential component. The EU-Western Balkans summit, held in Tirana on December 6, was important in both of these plans.

This Summit took place for the first time in the territory of the Western Balkans, and this shows (at least symbolically) the great interest of the European Union in the region. Also, the selection of Albania as a host is an indicator of Brussels' support for Tirana and at the same time an assessment of the policy pursued by the Albanian government.

EU membership remains one of the main goals of the foreign policy of each of the countries of the region (despite the fact that the prioritization of this policy differs for each country). And, however, we cannot fail to mention the fact that an almost 30-year extension of the period for the full integration of the countries of the region into the European Union carries within itself the risk of "fatigue" and disillusionment of the citizens of the region. Combined with the unfavorable period that the EU is going through, mainly as a result of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, it is more necessary than ever to take concrete steps regarding the EU’s political support for the Western Balkans. And precisely this political support for all the countries of the region was also the main reason why it was chosen that the Summit be held in our region and even more so in Albania.

And at this point symbolism comes into play again. Although Montenegro and Serbia have opened negotiations earlier than Albania, our country has shown a greater determination for European integration by completely aligning its foreign policy with the main lines and positions of the Union, but also showing an increasing commitment for the fulfillment of obligations that stem from the integration process. The fact that Albania's foreign policy has always been far from the influence of third parties (including Russia) makes Albania a more reliable partner and also a stability factor in the region.

The main topics that were discussed during the Summit were, first, the joint addressing of the consequences of Russian aggression in Ukraine, as well as the intensification of contacts at the political level and engagement in policy-making, strengthening security and building resilience against external interference.

Also addressed were the challenges of immigration, the fight against terrorism and organized crime, and ways to address the negative effects of war on energy and food security in the Western Balkans. Joint management of migration was another topic on which the leaders exchanged views, as the Western Balkan migration route has been increasingly used in the last year. Opinions were also exchanged regarding the strengthening of policy-making with a special focus on young people, the path towards the integration of the Western Balkans with the internal market of the EU, the modernization of the payment systems according to EU standards, the digital sector, the implementation of the EU-Western Balkans green lanes, measures to facilitate cross-border logistics and the continuous circulation of goods, etc.; the agreements for the roaming telephone service, and above all the financial support package that the EU will give to the Western Balkans, for coping with the crisis and the consequences of Russia's war in Ukraine, the energy crisis and the situation of price increases, etc.

This was revealed during the joint press conference of the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen with Prime Minister Rama and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. Von Der Leyen stated that the aid package for the region will be some 1 billion euros, where 500 million will go as budget aid to help families and businesses face the rising energy prices, while another 500 million will go to improve infrastructure and green energy.

In this statement, the EU leaders clearly and indisputably confirmed the European perspective of the region. "The EU calls for the acceleration of the accession process, based on credible reforms. It welcomes the progress made by the Western Balkan partners on their respective paths to the EU since the EU-Western Balkan Summit in Brdo in October 2021. In particular, the EU welcomes the holding of the first Intergovernmental Conferences with Albania and North Macedonia". The final statement specifically mentions the basic values, on which the entire political, organizational and legal structure of the Union is built, such as respect for human rights, the rule of law, the separation of powers, but also on the solution of specific problems, with which all the countries of the region are facing problems that contradict exactly the basic European values. It remains the fundamental duty of all the countries of the region to solve these problems and to understand that only their solution is related to the credibility that a country that claims to become a member of the EU should have.

More specifically, the statement emphasizes that:

"The EU welcomes the determination of the Western Balkans partners to uphold core European values and principles, in accordance with international law. The EU also welcomes the renewed commitment of the Western Balkans partners to the primacy of democracy, fundamental rights and values and the rule of law, including the separation of powers. The EU underlines the need for continuous efforts in the fight against corruption and organized crime, strengthened support for good governance, human rights, gender equality and the rights of persons belonging to minorities... An empowered civil society and independent media and pluralistic, with full respect for freedom of expression, are essential components of any democratic system and we welcome and support the role these factors play in the Western Balkans".

Special emphasis in the statement was placed on regional cooperation and the solution of the problems that the countries of the region have between themselves or with their neighboring countries that are members of the EU.

"The implementation of bilateral agreements, including the Prespa Agreement with Greece and the Treaty on Good Neighborly Relations with Bulgaria, continues to be important. Further decisive efforts are still required to promote regional reconciliation and stability, as well as to find and implement final, comprehensive and binding solutions to the Partners' regional and bilateral disputes and issues rooted in the legacy of the past, in accordance with international law and the principles of established, including cases of missing persons and war crimes. The EU also calls on partners to guarantee the rights and equal treatment of persons belonging to ethnic minorities". The statement supports the continuation of dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo as the only path for both countries.

Regarding EU investments in the region in terms of energy, the statement mentions the benefits that the region will have: "The new EU Energy Support Package, worth 1 billion euros in grants, can bring up to in 2.5 billion euros of investments, will help the Western Balkans mitigate the impact of the energy crisis and accelerate the energy transition in the region. The package is financed through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III) and includes immediate, short-term and medium-term measures to provide assistance to citizens and businesses in the Western Balkans. Also, regarding the reduction of Russia's energy influence in the region, the statement specifies the decision to open joint purchases of gas, LNG and hydrogen for the Western Balkans.

As it is clear from the final statement, but also from the whole positive climate, in which the proceedings of this Summit took place, the EU's political and economic support for the region remains strong and unlimited. Of course, this political support must be accompanied by concrete steps from the EU, but also from all the countries of the region. It is a path that must be done and can only be done together.

*Academician, economy expert, former MP and Finance Minister, Panorama, Dec 7, 2022