Gerapetritis and Greece Shape the Future of the Western Balkans

The Western Balkans Conference held in London highlighted not only the strategic importance of the region but also the central role Greece plays in shaping its European trajectory. Leaders from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia, alongside senior European officials, convened at Lancaster Houseunder the framework of the Berlin Process.

Representatives included German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, who underscored Greece’s commitment to regional stability and EU integration.

Despite the United Kingdom’s departure from the EU, hosting such a summit demonstrates the critical geopolitical stakes in the Balkans, where migration, Russian influence, and security challenges intersect.

Greece’s Strategic Contribution

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis emphasized that the Western Balkans must accelerate their path toward EU membership, arguing that delays create gaps exploited by external powers:

“We are in an extremely challenging period of multiple crises. Issues are transforming from national to global, and problems from local to geopolitical. The only solution is integration and a common European trajectory.”

Greece advocates for strengthening resilience, ensuring that countries in the Western Balkans develop institutional stability and economic growth. Gerapetritis also highlighted that the Ukraine crisis remains central to European discussions, reshaping security strategies and the need for strategic autonomy.

“Europe must encourage countries in its pre-accession orbit to be resilient and prepared for external pressures,” he said.

Migration and Security

Migration flows were a central topic, with the UK emphasizing its intention to curb irregular migration from the Balkans. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the route as a “criminal corridor” leading to the UK, announcing sanctions on Balkan criminal networks and financiers involved in human trafficking.

The summit also addressed regional security, economic development, and energy independence, with the aim of reducing Russian influence in strategic areas such as Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Russia and European Influence

Russian investments and political ties continue to exert influence in parts of the Balkans, creating a geopolitical battleground for European powers. The conference highlighted the need for EU-led infrastructure, energy, and development projects to strengthen regional stability.

Greece supports these initiatives, advocating for EU-aligned policies and deeper regional integration, which are seen as critical to long-term peace and prosperity.

Britain’s Return to Balkan Diplomacy

London’s role as host signals a renewed British approach: influence through security partnerships and diplomatic engagement rather than institutional membership. Starmer framed the summit as a contribution to European stability, underscoring the importance of the Western Balkans as Europe’s “security crucible”.

For Greece, this presents an opportunity to lead discussions on EU enlargement, regional resilience, and integration, strengthening its influence both in the Balkans and across Europe.

Europe at a Crossroads

The London Conference underlined that the Western Balkans remain a region of high strategic importance, where external influences, migration pressures, and security challenges converge.

With Greece actively shaping the discussions, the message was clear: integration, stability, and strategic autonomy are essential.

“Europe faces a new geopolitical test. Greece is helping to ensure that the Western Balkans remain on a path toward unity, prosperity, and resilience,” a European official remarked.

The summit demonstrated that while Britain returns as a mediator, Greece plays a pivotal role in guiding the Balkans toward a European future, securing peace, stability, and economic growth for the region.

Source: pagenews.gr