Kallas: With Western Balkan friends about what more we can do

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kalas said today, before the start of the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, that the ministers will first discuss with "Western Balkan friends" at a working breakfast about what more they can do.

"First, we will greet our Western Balkan friends. This is an opportunity to consider what more can be done. They are interested in our cooperation on countering the hybrid threats they face, and in return we expect reforms from them so that we can move forward with enlargement," Kalas told reporters.

She added that, of course, they will discuss enlargement and what else the EU can do to help the Western Balkan countries advance in reforms.

Speaking about hybrid threats, she said that the EU has good experience and practice in Moldova, and that they are now working with Armenia, and that the Western Balkan countries are asking for the same because "they see attacks on their democracy."

"We are talking about security and defense, and especially about security and defense partnership, with Montenegro for example," said Kalas.

She also said that the EU expects the Western Balkan countries to align with the Union's foreign and security policy, and to implement reforms.

In response to a question about the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, she said that a high-level dialogue was planned, and that she had received consent from both leaders, in Kosovo and Serbia, but that elections are now being held again in Kosovo and that is why that plan is being postponed.

"But I am working separately with both of them so that we can move forward with implementing the agreements we already have," said Kalas.

After the meeting with the Western Balkans six, EU foreign ministers will discuss Ukraine, Russia's deportation of Ukrainian children, as well as new sanctions against those who helped deport Ukrainian children, said Kalas.

The ministers also have a meeting with the Canadian Foreign Minister, said Kallas, emphasizing that the EU's relationship with Canada is "better than ever."

They will then discuss the Middle East, freedom of navigation and operational plans, and how the EU can contribute to mine clearance and ship escort. A high-level political dialogue with Syria is also planned.