Lipavský calls for clear EU vision for Balkans

The Czech foreign minister, Jan Lipavský, says that if the European Union does not develop a clear vision for the Balkans it could lose influence in the region to Russia. Speaking to Bloomberg, Mr. Lipavský said that the bloc’s approach to the Western Balkans had been rather bureaucratic to date, helping Russia and China to increase their foothold in the region.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania have intensified calls for progress in their applications to join the EU.

The Czech foreign policy chief said the current situation was a great opportunity for the bloc to change its approach.