Greek Prime Minister Hosts Informal Dinner for Western Balkan Leaders and EU Representatives

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to host an informal dinner in Athens on Monday (August 21) for leaders from the Western Balkans and the EU member states in the region.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Charles Michel, President of the European Council, have accepted Mitsotakis's invitation and are expected to attend the dinner. The event is scheduled to discuss the topic of enlargement and the European future of the region, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the EU-Western Balkans Summit and the "Declaration of Thessaloniki," as stated by Mitsotakis's Office.

Among the notable attendees will be President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia, Jakov Milatovic of Montenegro, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacheski of North Macedonia, Prime Minister Albin Kurti of Kosovo, and Borjana Kristo, President of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, leaders from EU member countries in the region, including the Prime Ministers of Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania, are also expected to participate. However, Albania, despite being invited at the level of the President, will not be represented in Athens.

Local media sources emphasise that Mitsotakis's initiative highlights

Greece's role as a pillar of stability, peace, and energy security in the Balkans and southeastern Europe. The significance of the informal dinner lies in its symbolism as the 20th anniversary of the "Declaration of Thessaloniki" from the EU-Western Balkans Summit. This event played a pivotal role in paving the way for the integration of several countries from the region into the European Union.