EU High Representative says Georgia, aspiring states have “historic window of opportunity” to “strongly bind future” to Union

Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on Wednesday said the Western Balkans, Turkey, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia had a “historic window of opportunity” to “strongly bind their future” to the EU.

In his statement on the 20th anniversary of the largest wave of EU enlargement, Borrell called the policy “transformative” and said it enhanced “security, justice, and democracy” while raising living standards of Europeans.

The EU and candidates cooperate on security and defence, so we can face together and better the multiple geopolitical challenges. Future member states are required to strengthen their democratic institutions and uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms”, he added.

The official also said the bloc was also working to “reform itself, preparing today for the Union of tomorrow”, and further pointed out that “we aspire not just for a larger Union, but a stronger one, capable of upholding and projecting our shared values across the world”.