A new window of opportunity to bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU?

from The Greek Current · host Hellenic Leaders

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen vowed to bring the economies of the Western Balkans and the European Union 'closer' on Monday as she began a four-day tour of the region. Her plan includes a €6 billion investment package, to be delivered on condition the countries make reforms to open up their economies, overcome their conflicts and modernize their administrations. Professor James Ker-Lindsay, who has written extensively on the EU, the Balkans and Southeast Europe, joins Thanos Davelis to break down whether this is a window of opportunity to reinvigorate the EU accession process for the Western Balkans.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Von der Leyen vows to bring Western Balkan and EU economies 'closer' as four-day visit startsEU to help Western Balkans reforms with 6 billion euro package - von der LeyenCyprus talks to EU, neighbours on humanitarian corridor for GazaChristodoulides' bold plan for Gaza welcomed by World LeadersGreece turning into energy and technology hub

What this episode covers

Professor James Ker-Lindsay, who has written extensively on the EU, the Balkans and Southeast Europe, joins Thanos Davelis to break down whether European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen's visit to the Western Balkans and her proposed plan for a €6 billion investment package is a window of opportunity to reinvigorate the EU accession process for the region.