At the Summit, the leaders of EU member-states and the leaders from the Western Balkans will discuss cooperation in tackling the coronavirus and its effects, the European perspective of the Western Balkans, and their commitment to European values and reforms.
Initially, the summit was planned to take place in Zagreb, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, it will be held as video conference. The meeting will be attended by the heads of states and governments from EU member-states and representatives from six partners in the Western Balkans, i.e. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Republic of North Macedonia and Kosovo.
The summit will stress the importance of the EU’s special relations as the most important partner to the region and unity in combating the Covid-19 crisis. In that context, the emphasis will be put on mutual solidarity and cooperation during the coronavirus crisis, including the financial assistance of 3.3 billion euros for the Western Balkans to combat the effects of this pandemic.
It is expected the leaders to confirm the European perspective of the Western Balkans and commitment by the Western Balkans partners to uphold European values and principles. In that regard, opinions will be exchanged on the new phase of close cooperation in tacking important socio-economic effects of the coronavirus crisis, the importance of regional cooperation, and how to best manage security challenges.
On 26 March 2020, the EU Council approved the start of accession negotiations with Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia. However, enlargement and stabilization and association process will not be discussed at this summit. Instead, this issue will be assessed according to established practices. In June, the General Affairs Council is expected to adopt conclusions on the enlargement and stabilization and association process.