Eleven leaders of Balkan countries met in Athens on August 21, 2023, and issued the Athens Declaration, a statement of support for Ukraine and the Western Balkans, Turanews.kz reports.
The declaration condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and called for an end to the war. It also expressed support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
The leaders also called for the revitalization and reorientation of the EU’s enlargement process, so that Ukraine and Moldova can join the bloc.
The declaration was signed by the leaders of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Ukraine, and the European Union.
The Athens Declaration is a significant statement of support for Ukraine and the Western Balkans. It comes at a time when both regions are facing challenges, and it sends a message that the international community is committed to their future.
Here are some of the key points of the Athens Declaration:
- The leaders condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and called for an immediate end to the war.
- They expressed support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
- They called for the revitalization and reorientation of the EU’s enlargement process, so that Ukraine and Moldova can join the bloc.
- They emphasized the importance of a strong, resilient, and inclusive EU as the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in Europe.
- They stressed the need to work together to address the common challenges facing the Western Balkans and Ukraine.
