European Commission President: future of Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia “inside our Union”

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, on Thursday said the future of Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia would be “free and prosperous” and “inside our Union”.

Von der Leyen said inviting countries to the EU would ensure that “democracy, prosperity and stability” spread across Europe.

History is calling once again. The Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia have made their free choice. They have chosen freedom over oppression. They have chosen democracy over dependency. And some of them are paying a high price for this choice. So we must make our choice, and show steadfast commitment. Their future will be free and prosperous, inside our Union”, she said.

The official further added that the accession to the bloc would “always be a merit-based process”, and further pointed out “we will ensure that all countries are ready, before joining”.