Germany Advocates for Western BalkansEU Membership Amid Russian Tensions
Annalena Baerbock emphasizes the geopolitical necessity of Western Balkans joining the EU to strengthen Europe against Russian aggression.
- Germany's Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, urges six Western Balkan countries to join the European Union, highlighting it as crucial for Europe's resilience against Russia.
- EU offers a 6 billion euro package to encourage Western Balkan nations to undertake reforms and reduce Russian influence.
- Baerbock's visit to Bosnia and Montenegro aims to support their EU integration, with Bosnia being a candidate for EU membership negotiations.
- The EU accession process for Western Balkan countries is seen as a countermeasure to Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
- EU leaders are expected to decide on opening accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina later this month.
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