Gerapetritis: Enlargement to the Western Balkans once again a key European priority

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stated that the accession of the Western Balkans to the European Union will be a key priority during Greece’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2027, Hellas Journal reports.

“The integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union ranks high on the agenda of Greece’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the second half of 2027, and we will work diligently to achieve tangible results by the end of our term,” Gerapetritis said following talks with the Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konakovic, in Sarajevo.

Gerapetritis recalled that the signing of the Delphi Declaration last April was a highly symbolic act and a clear message that the path toward EU membership is irreversible.

“It is time for the countries of the region to seize this opportunity and fully realize their potential as an area of peace and prosperity, as well as a region of particular importance to Europe’s security,” he said.

He added that achieving this objective is inextricably linked to the region’s progress toward EU membership.

Gerapetritis noted that Greece, as the longest-standing EU member state in the region, has consistently supported the European perspective of the Western Balkans since the 2003 Thessaloniki Agenda.

“EU enlargement must regain its momentum and credibility. The enlargement process has once again become a major European priority, and this is in the interest of both the Western Balkans and Europe itself,” Gerapetritis said, according to Hellas Journal.

He underlined that accession is assessed on the basis of conditionality and individual merit.

“The path to membership requires the fulfilment of all necessary criteria in line with the EU acquis, the rule of law, international law and good neighbourly relations. However, we must not forget that enlargement is also a political process and should be facilitated through political means,” the Greek foreign minister stated.

Speaking specifically about Bosnia and Herzegovina, he described EU accession as one of the country’s central political objectives.

“The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina understand better than anyone the consequences that may arise when nationalism, revisionism and extremist voices prevail in the Balkans. This is something we must prevent and avoid,” he said.

Gerapetritis acknowledged the historical wounds of the region but stressed the importance of building upon shared ties, common values and mutual understanding among the peoples of the Balkans despite their differences.

He also highlighted the region’s significant geopolitical importance, noting that it lies at the crossroads between Central Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

“The significance of this strategic position is even more evident in today’s international environment, which is characterized by uncertainty, instability, unpredictability and a decline in confidence in international institutions,” he said.

The Greek foreign minister reaffirmed Greece’s readiness to provide Bosnia and Herzegovina with any technical assistance necessary on its path toward EU membership.

Regarding regional development, he emphasized the importance of cooperation within the Regional Cooperation Council, headquartered in Sarajevo, and noted that the South-East European Cooperation Process offers additional opportunities for strengthening regional coordination and cooperation.

On bilateral relations, Gerapetritis pointed out that Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina are among the few countries in the region without outstanding bilateral disputes, which makes discussions between them particularly straightforward.

The two ministers confirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations and agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, energy resilience and diversification. They also explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in sectors with strong growth potential, including tourism, culture and education.

Emphasizing the importance of transport connectivity in supporting these sectors, Gerapetritis announced that direct scheduled flights between Athens and Sarajevo will resume from October onward.