EU-Western Balkans Summit: Strengthening Security and Stability Together

18.12.2025 Strategic Communications

The leaders of the European Union and of the Western Balkans met in Brussels on 17 December 2025 for the annual EU-Western Balkans Summit. The Summit reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the European Union and the Western Balkans, as reflected in the Brussels Declaration. “Enlargement is a realistic opportunity, which should be seized,” the EU leaders stated.

The Brussels Summit took place in a context marked by geopolitical challenges. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and other security threats facing Europe underline the importance of strengthening ties between the EU and the Western Balkans.

The EU welcomed the Western Balkans partners’ commitment to uphold European values and principles, in line with international law.

It was emphasised that inclusive regional cooperation, reconciliation and good neighbourly relations remain key to building a shared future.

Foreign and Security Policy Alignment

EU leaders reaffirmed their full and unequivocal commitment to the European Union membership perspective of the Western Balkans. They underlined that enlargement is a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity and welcomed the renewed momentum in the enlargement process.

Alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), including the implementation and enforcement of restrictive measures and efforts to counter circumvention, remains a strong expression of partners’ strategic choice. EU leaders commended those Western Balkans partners that are already fully aligned and urged those who have not yet done so to follow suit.

Ahead of the Summit, HR/VP Kaja Kallas remarked:

"We share more than geography with the Western Balkans. We share responsibility for Europe’s security. This is why the EU is stepping up security and defence cooperation with the region and reinforcing joint response against hybrid threats and foreign interference".

Deepening Security and Defence Cooperation

Security and defence cooperation was a key element of the Summit. Leaders welcomed the first Security and Defence Partnerships and the launch of Security and Defence Dialogues. The EU reaffirmed its continued support to the Western Balkans under the European Peace Facility, which contributes to strengthening security in the region.

Building Resilience against Hybrid Threats

Leaders stressed the importance of countering cyber and other hybrid threats, including foreign information manipulation and interference. They agreed to further strengthen cooperation on cybersecurity, strategic communication and resilience-building, including through the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre and the European Democracy Shield.

These actions aim to strengthen resilience and counter disinformation, including narratives linked to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Gradual Integration and Economic Security

The Summit reviewed progress on bringing Western Balkans partners closer to the EU during the enlargement process. Leaders welcomed progress in gradual integration into the EU Single Market, including in the areas of payments (SEPA), digital connectivity and reduced roaming costs, bringing concrete benefits to citizens.

The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans remains a key tool to support socio-economic convergence. Leaders stressed that its impact depends on the timely and speedy implementation of EU-related reforms.

A Shared Path Forward

The Brussels Declaration reaffirmed a shared commitment to peace, security, stability and closer integration. Strengthening foreign policy alignment, deepening security and defence cooperation and building resilience against hybrid threats remain key elements of the EU-Western Balkans partnership.

Background

The EU–Western Balkans Summit is the most important annual political meeting between the European Union and the region. It sets the strategic direction of relations, reviews progress on enlargement and cooperation and defines priorities for the year ahead. Leaders agreed that the next Summit will take place in June 2026 in Montenegro. All Western Balkans partners except Serbia aligned with the Summit Declaration.

More links: