Greece has signed a new regional agreement with Western Balkan countries aimed at strengthening cooperation and accelerating the path toward European Union membership for the region.
The announcement was made by Greece’s Foreign Minister, George Gerapetritis, who confirmed the signing of the “Delphi Declaration,” describing it as a renewed framework for regional integration and EU enlargement.
First Day of the 11th Delphi Economic Forum (ΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ/EUROKINISSI)
Reviving a Landmark EU Integration Framework
According to the Greek foreign minister, the new declaration effectively updates the “Thessaloniki Agenda,” a 2003 initiative that set out the European perspective for the Western Balkans.
The updated framework seeks to speed up accession procedures for countries in the region, reinforcing their long-standing EU aspirations.
Officials described the agreement as a strategic step toward deepening ties between the European Union and the Western Balkans, with a focus on stability, cooperation, and integration.
Planned Diplomatic Tour in the Region
Gerapetritis also announced that he will soon undertake an official visit to Western Balkan countries in the coming months, as part of efforts to advance the goals of the new initiative.
First Day of the 11th Delphi Economic Forum (ΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ/EUROKINISSI)
The tour is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and supporting progress toward EU alignment.
Greece’s 2027 EU Presidency Role
Looking ahead to Greece’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2027, the foreign minister expressed confidence that the process of enlargement will make significant progress.
He stated that during Greece’s presidency, one or more Western Balkan states are expected to join the European family, calling it a development that would strengthen the European Union as a whole.
The “Delphi Declaration” is being presented as a renewed political commitment to EU enlargement in Southeast Europe, reinforcing Greece’s role in supporting the integration of the Western Balkans into the European bloc.
