The President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen emphasized this Wednesday that the Balkan countries belong to the European family. 

Von der Leyen participated in the summit with the countries of the Western Balkans, which started today in Slovenia. Talking to the media, Von der Leyen said that this is an important summit with the countries of the Western Balkans. 

"We want to send a single and clear message that the Western Balkans belong to the European Union, we want them in the EU and our European family. We share the same history and the same values," said Von der Leyen. 

She added that the 6 countries have made many reforms and that work is still needed on the rule of law, media freedom, etc. The President of the European Commission further added that they want to let the Western Balkans know that the EU is their favorite partner. "We want to show how much we care for them and that we are their favorite partner," said Von der Leyen.