Bled Forum 2024: von der Leyen on EU Enlargement and European Security

President Ursula von der Leyen delivers a compelling address at the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, focusing on the importance of EU enlargement and the integration of the Western Balkans. Speaking against the backdrop of global instability, she emphasizes Slovenia's leadership on the international stage and the EU's commitment to expanding its membership to include Ukraine, Moldova, and Western Balkan countries.
Von der Leyen discusses the strategic need for a larger, stronger European Union in response to geopolitical challenges, highlighting the progress made through new reform agendas and the EU's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. She calls for renewed efforts to advance the enlargement process and announces the appointment of a dedicated Commissioner for Enlargement in the next European Commission.