Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis described the Western Balkans’ accession to the EU as a matter of credibility for Europe, speaking at a panel discussion during the 11th Delphi Economic Forum. As the minister preparing for the presidency of the European Council in the second half of 2027, he said his goal is to welcome one or more Western Balkan states into the European family.

Gerapetritis emphasised that, earlier on Wednesday, the six Western Balkan states meeting in Greece approved the Delphi Declaration, a follow-up to the 2003 Thessaloniki Declaration. At that time, Greece, then the only EU member state from the region, took the initiative to drive the integration of the Western Balkans into the European family.

Gerapetritis described the Western Balkans as an integral part of Greece’s regional identity. “Over the course of these 23 years, there have been many disappointments, and Europe has failed to offer a clear vision for enlargement,” he said.

He urged the EU to convey a clear message that the Western Balkans’ journey towards Europe is irreversible and requires full support. “ It is a matter of stability, prosperity and peace,” he added.

“The accession of the Western Balkan countries is essentially a path towards the reunification of Europe, and I believe this process is truly important. The Western Balkan countries are at the heart of Europe. We cannot imagine Europe without the Western Balkans. Europe will be stronger and more resilient in the current geopolitical situation if our neighbours become full members of the European Union,” he said.