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

The enlargement 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 President of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von der Leyen, who has just been re-elected for a new 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 2.

Ms von der Leyen reaffirmed her commitment to integrating the Western Balkans into the EU, stressing the strategic importance of the region, noting that "a larger European Union will give us a strong voice in the world".

Ms von der Leyen (centre) holds an EU flag alongside pupils during a visit to a primary school in Crna na Koroskem, on September 2, 2024, a year after catastrophic flash floods hit 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 Strategy Forum, Slovenia's largest annual international political event, which this year is its 19th edition.

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

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

“Enlargement 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 in our European Union,” she declared.

She also highlighted the significant progress made during her first term, citing the start of accession talks with Albania, North Macedonia, Ukraine and Moldova. As for Bosnia and Herzegovina, she expressed optimism that the Western Balkan country could soon join the ranks of those countries.

Going forward, Ms von der Leyen pledged to speed up the enlargement process, revealing plans to appoint a dedicated Enlargement Commissioner.

“Enlargement must be a full-time job that allows full focus, and this is why I will appoint a dedicated Enlargement Commissioner. Let's write history together,” she concluded, calling on 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