From 2 to 4 March 2017, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, visited the six western Balkan countries (Montenegro, Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina) and expressed her concern about political instability in the region.

On 6 March 2017, on the basis of the High Representative’s reports, EU foreign ministers reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to and support for stepping up political and economic ties with the region.

The six prime ministers of those countries recently took the decision to cooperate more closely on economic matters and to establish their own common market, with the help of the Commission and the Regional Cooperation Council.

Johannes Hahn, the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, also welcomed and encouraged the decision.

While it may be necessary to put the enlargement process in the Union on hold, it is still important to consolidate economic ties with the Balkans and stabilise the political situation in the region.

Can the Commission outline its strategy to pave the way for the establishment of a common market in the Balkans?