Von der Leyen: We Will Make Sure That Future of Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova Is in Europe

Ursula von der Leyen (BETAPHOTO/European Parliament/Alexis HAULOT)

The citizens of countries of the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova deserve a future of peace, progress and prosperity and the European Union will make sure that this future is in Europe, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated before the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Nov. 27.

Speaking at a plenary session of the parliament within the presentation of the future College of Commissioners and its program, Von der Leyen stated that the EU would support these countries on every step in their merit-based process until they are ready to join the Union, and added that Marta Kos, the future commissioner for enlargement, was the right person for the job.

“The dream of Europe extends to the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and beyond. We have seen the courage of the people of Ukraine on their European path. We have seen the resilience of the people of Moldova in keeping to their European future. We have seen the commitment of the Western Balkans to reforms, growth and preparations for joining the Union. At the same time, we have seen that Russia will stop at nothing to prevent them from having a European future. But, Europe’s commitment to these countries will always be stronger,” she said.