Kallas: EU foreign ministers have given support to the Western Balkans, expecting reforms in return

The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kalas, stated today that EU foreign ministers have given political support to deepening cooperation with partners from the Western Balkans in the areas of foreign policy, security and defense, but added that in return they expect further reforms, respect for the rule of law and clear alignment with EU foreign policy.

At a press conference after today's ministerial meeting in Brussels, Kallas said that the Western Balkans is a strategic priority for the EU and that EU support relates to the fight against hybrid threats and disinformation, a new Security and Defence Partnership with Montenegro and greater use of the European Peace Facility to strengthen the defence capacities of our partners.

"But it is clear that partnerships work both ways. In return, we expect further reforms, respect for the rule of law and clear alignment with EU foreign policy. The Western Balkans belong to the European Union. And the steps we have outlined today are aimed at that goal," said Kalas.

Kalas added that the ministers also discussed the announced resignation of High Representative for BiH Christian Schmidt and that they "agree that it is in the EU's interest that the country does not deviate from its European path and that they must remain united in finding his successor."