Von der Leyen tours Western Balkans in latest EU enlargement drive

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen is expected to arrive Thursday evening in Serbia as part of a tour of the Balkans promoting EU enlargement. 

The news comes after Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to discuss Serbia’s EU membership progress, emphasising Serbia’s importance to the EU and potential for economic cooperation. 

Von der Leyen’s expected visit to Serbia comes only a day after visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia. 

During her time in the Macedonian capital, Skopje, von der Leyen said the country had made “great progress in implementing reforms” necessary to join the EU. 

The European Commission chief said the EU was “committed to its enlargement plans, and it will be the Union’s top priority.” 

North Macedonia applied for EU membership in March 2004 and was granted candidate status in 2005. However, its EU path has stalled due to vetos from neighbouring Greece and Bulgaria.

Von der Leyen also visited the central Bosnian village of Donja Jablanica on Thursday after it was devastated by recent floods and landslides. 

The natural disaster claimed 27 lives, and the village was buried in debris. 

Bosnia has sought EU aid, and many member states sent teams to help through the EU’s civil protection mechanism. 

“Europe stands with you, and we are here not only for the short run but also for the mid and long term, to help you first of all, of course to help immediately, but second to reconstruct and rebuild after the disaster,” said von der Leyen.