EU leaders are preparing to restate their vows on Western Balkans enlargement in Sofia on Thursday (17 May).
But the summit will take place amid heightened competition from Russia, according to Albania, one of the EU accession frontrunners.
"The EU reaffirms its unequivocal support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans," EU leaders plan to say in Thursday's declaration, seen by EUobserver.
"Building on the progress achieved so far, the Western Balkans partner...
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Already a member? Login hereAndrew Rettman is EUobserver's foreign editor, writing about foreign and security issues since 2005. He is Polish, but grew up in the UK, and lives in Brussels. He has also written for The Guardian, The Times of London, and Intelligence Online.
Andrew Rettman is EUobserver's foreign editor, writing about foreign and security issues since 2005. He is Polish, but grew up in the UK, and lives in Brussels. He has also written for The Guardian, The Times of London, and Intelligence Online.