Enlargement Package 2023
On 8 November 2023, the European Commission adopted its 2023 Enlargement Package, providing a detailed assessment of the state of play and the progress made by the Western Balkans, Türkiye, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine on their respective paths towards the European Union, with a particular focus on implementing fundamental reforms, as well as clear guidance on the reform priorities ahead.
New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans
On 08 November 2023, the European Commission also adopted a new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, with the aim of bringing some of the benefits of membership to the region in advance of accession, boost economic growth and accelerate much needed socio-economic convergence. The objective should be to enable partners to step up reforms and investments to significantly accelerate the speed of the enlargement process and the growth of their economies. For this, a new €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans has been proposed for the period 2024-2027.
Support for Ukraine
The EU stands united in its solidarity with Ukraine and will continue to support Ukraine and its people together with its international partners, including through political, financial and humanitarian support as long as needed.
The EU has reacted swiftly and decisively against Russia’s aggression by adopting unprecedented packages of sanctions targeting the Russian economy and financial system, the Kremlin media machine and its corrupt elite.
Latest news
The EU is mobilising all the emergency response tools at its disposal to support people affected by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. Today, the EU launched a Humanitarian Air Bridge operation consisting of three flights from Dubai and Brindisi with the first one reaching Beirut on 11 October.
The European Commission has launched the first call for proposals under the Pillar II of the €50 billion Ukraine Facility. This call aims to mobilise investments into Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction and modernisation.
Following a request for assistance from Bosnia and Herzegovina on 5 October, the EU has deployed search and rescue teams and sent emergency supplies to support first responders dealing with flash floods and landslides.
On 7 October 2023, the world awoke to horrifying images of unspeakable savagery, scenes that will remain etched in our minds forever. There can be no justification for Hamas' acts of terror. I condemn once again, and in the strongest possible terms, those barbarous attacks.
