Prime Minister Andrej Babiš supported the further expansion of the EU to include the countries of the Western Balkans at the summit in Montenegro
On 4 and 5 June, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Andrej Babiš, attended the European Union and Western Balkans summit in Tivat, Montenegro. The main topics of the negotiations were the further expansion of the European Union, economic cooperation, the gradual integration of the region's countries into European structures, and strengthening security.
Montenegro and Albania should join the European Union in 2028. The Czech Republic has long supported the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries. The region is an important trading partner, numerous Czech companies operate there, and it is also among the popular destinations for Czech tourists. Therefore, the stability and development of the Western Balkans are also in the Czech interest. According to Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, the summit in Montenegro confirmed that the future of these countries lies in the European Union.
"We have been talking about this for an awfully long time; these states have been striving for admission to the European Union since 2016, and I think they are ready for it. We look forward to the European Union admitting these countries, and hopefully, it will not just stop at empty promises. It is vital for Montenegro and Albania to finally enter the European Union, because otherwise, it is a great disappointment for those leaders who are trying to meet the conditions for entry if it does not happen or is somehow delayed. Now it will hopefully happen; I think they deserve it," stated Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.
The summit in Tivat did not focus only on the future expansion of the European Union. Political leaders also negotiated specific economic projects and practical measures that can facilitate business, support investment, and bring new opportunities for citizens and companies on both sides.
Security cooperation was also a significant topic of the negotiations. The Czech Republic has long supported closer coordination with the Western Balkan countries in the area of border protection, the fight against illegal migration, and combating organised crime. The gradual deepening of cooperation between the Schengen Area and the countries of the Western Balkans is also related to this. Further expansion of the Schengen Area, upon fulfilment of all conditions, can contribute to strengthening Europe's security, more effective protection of external borders, and facilitating the movement of persons and business.
During the summit, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš also held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić. They discussed the development of mutual economic relations, business opportunities between the two countries, and also the continuation of Montenegro's integration process towards membership in the European Union. In Tivat, he also met with the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bećirović, and the Acting President of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu.
