After being re-elected, Ms. von der Leyen pledged to speed up the EU enlargement process.

The expansion of the European Union (EU) will be accelerated during the next term of the European Commission (EC) – the executive body of the 27-nation bloc.

The statement was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was recently re-elected for another five-year term (2024-2029) and will take office in a few months, at an international political conference in the town of Bled, Slovenia on September 2nd.

Ms. von der Leyen reaffirmed her commitment to the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU, emphasizing the region's strategic importance and noting that "a larger European Union will give us a stronger voice in the world ."

Ms. von der Leyen (center) holds an EU flag alongside students during a visit to a primary school in Crna na Koroskem on September 2, 2024, one year after devastating flash floods struck the small town in northern Slovenia. Photo: Inquirer

"Throughout history, the Western Balkans has often stood at the crossroads between East and West, between North and South," von der Leyen remarked in her opening remarks at the Bled Strategic Forum, Slovenia's largest annual international political event, now in its 19th edition.

"But the new generations in this region have chosen a different path. They have chosen to be part of the common European family. The vast majority of people in the Western Balkans want integration rather than fragmentation. They want integration, and that is what we must provide them," the EC President said.

Ms. von der Leyen's speech underscored the EU's determination to resist external influences. Highlighting the EC's commitment to the enlargement process, Ms. von der Leyen noted that this effort has once again become a top political priority.

"The expansion is an investment in our collective strength and security. We want a strong, competitive and secure Europe, including the Western Balkans as well as Ukraine and Moldova within our European Union," she stated.

She also highlighted the significant progress made during her first term, citing the start of accession negotiations with Albania, North Macedonia, Ukraine, and Moldova. Regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina, she expressed optimism that the Western Balkan nation could soon resemble the aforementioned countries.

Looking ahead, von der Leyen pledged to accelerate the expansion process, revealing plans to appoint a Commissioner specifically for Expansion.

"Enlargement must be a full-time job that allows for complete focus, and this is why I will appoint a Commissioner for Enlargement. Let's write history together," she concluded, urging the Western Balkan countries to actively participate in shaping the future of the EU.

Minh Duc (According to Anadolu, Xinhua)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/sau-tai-dac-cu-ba-von-der-leyen-cam-ket-day-nhanh-qua-trinh-mo-rong-eu-204240903204213455.htm