Von der Leyen: The Western Balkans can achieve energy independence from Russia

2023-05-31 16:44:59, Aktualitet CNA

Von der Leyen: The Western Balkans can achieve energy independence from Russia

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said during the proceedings of the "Globesec" Global Security Conference, which is being held in Bratislava, Slovakia, that the countries of the Western Balkans can achieve energy independence from Russia and a closer alignment with it. accelerate their membership in the European Union.

Speaking on the third and last day of the Annual Security Conference, in Bratislava, the President of the European Commission said that the Western Balkans has great opportunities for energy supplies, so that it is not dependent on Russian non-renewable fuels, but for this reason, the region must increase energy efficiency and expand the variety of energy sources.

"The Western Balkan region has great opportunities for energy supplies, so that it is not dependent on Russian fuels. For this, it should increase energy efficiency and expand the variety of energy sources with those partners who are in the same line of thought. To achieve these, of course, there is a need for more investment and the development of renewable energy. The Western Balkans can achieve energy independence from Russia and a closer alignment to speed up membership in the European Union," said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

Mrs. Von Der Leyen expressed the readiness of the European Union to increase funds in support of the countries of the Western Balkans within the process for their membership in the union. She said that the region urgently needs investments and announced a development plan for the Western Balkans, which, according to her, will make it possible for the citizens of these countries to enjoy some of the benefits of membership in the European Union.

"These investments will improve the lives of citizens and will soften the journey towards membership in the European Union. For this reason, we must increase the funds dedicated to the Western Balkans. I think that this 4-point plan is the right offer for the Western Balkans and at the right time , in these turbulent times", emphasized Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

Ms Von Der Leyen also spoke of the urgent need to strengthen military support for Ukraine by announcing that a new Munitions Production Act has been proposed.

"Ukraine will emerge stronger from this war. More and more people are waving European flags in Moldova and Georgia, where the desire for a place in the European Union is growing steadily. The Western Balkans and the European Union are getting closer and closer." This moment must be used to create a more united Europe," said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

The European Commission has announced a plan of more than 500 million euros to help European arms manufacturing companies to improve their technology, open production lines and train personnel./ VOA