German Foreign Minister Baerbock calls for 'EU' membership for 6 Western Balkan countries: 'A geopolitical necessity'

German Foreign Minister Baerbock issued a written statement ahead of her visit to Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"In the face of Russia's brutal imperialism, it has become a geopolitical necessity that we do everything in our power to support the 6 states in the region on their path to joining the EU," said Minister Baerbock, noting that they cannot afford to have any "gray zones" anywhere in Europe.

Baerbock also stated the following:

"WE MUST DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TOGETHER"

"We must do everything we can together to close the flanks that Russia could use for its policies of destabilization, disinformation, and infiltration. This also includes supporting the Western Balkan countries to strengthen their democratic institutions, increase their resilience, and offer economic prospects to their people."

The Western Balkan countries of Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Kosovo are continuing their efforts to become members of the EU.

Germany has increased its diplomatic efforts toward the Western Balkans in recent months due to concerns that the Russia-Ukraine War could lead to instability in the region.