EU's door is open to Western Balkans: Von der Leyen seeks support for "Europe's new start"

Candidate for president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, presenting the program of the new European Commission said earlier today that the EU's door should remain open to the Western Balkans. She stressed that the EU would get a geopolitical Commission it "urgently needs".

Ursula von der Leyen says the new European Commission should show friends in the Western Balkans that it shares the same continent, history and culture with them and will share the same fate.

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"Our door remains open," Von der Leyen said.

Ursula von der Leyen says she is pleased to have experienced diplomats such as Josef Borrell and Oliver Varhely on her team, who will promote and protect EU interests and support EU partners.

Photo: Tanjug/AP

"We will strengthen our partners through cooperation, because strong partners make a strong EU," says Von der Leyen.

In addition to the Western Balkans, which was the first point in the presentation of the new European Commission program, Von der Leyen focused on climate protection, the EU's role in foreign affairs, EU's trade and economy, digitization and innovation. She stressed that the EU would get a geopolitical Commission that it "urgently needs."

"Countries of the east, west, south and north need a real partner in the EU," said Von der Layen.

"People first"

Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU is not just politics, laws and market, but puts people and their aspirations for freedom, values ​​and a better future first.

Photo: Tanjug/EU Photo

"Over the next five years, we will work to transform every part of our society and economy," said the future EU president.

She told MEPs that they had put together a great EU team and asked the European Parliament to support "Europe's fresh start."

"We are ready, more importantly Europe is ready. Let's start working," concluded von der Layen.

After hearing Ursula von der Leyen and after a debate, parliamentarians were expected to confirm the mandate of the entire European Commission, including President Ursula von der Leyen, EU diplomacy chief Minister Josep Borrell and 25 commissioners.

The new European Commission will start its mandate on December 1.

(Telegraf.rs)