S&Ds in Opatija with Western Balkans progressives: Enlargement means peace and democracy

The Socialists and Democrats are today in Opatija, Croatia, hosting a meeting with their progressive partners from the Western Balkans candidate countries to reaffirm their unequivocal support for EU enlargement as Europe's peace project.

Following the relaunch of the Willy Brandt Programme for EU enlargement in April in Brussels, the S&D Group remains firmly committed to strengthening ties with progressive partners in the Western Balkans aspiring to join the EU.

At this stage, the S&Ds are opening a new opportunity for Western Balkans partners to participate more actively in the political activities of the Group. Today's meeting is one such example of this closer cooperation, as we have invited the acceding countries' representatives to the Group's event.

Discussing the unprecedented geopolitical challenges with friends from the region - among them Bosnia and Herzegovina's Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić - will provide valuable insights to shape progressive politics in Brussels, in the interest of both the region and the EU as a whole.

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Iratxe García, S&D Group leader, said:

"The Socialists and Democrats have always wholeheartedly supported EU enlargement as the only path towards lasting peace in Europe.

"Enlargement means progress. Since 2004, the ten countries that joined the Union have seen child poverty fall from 41% to 17%, overall poverty halve, real wages double, six million new jobs created, and higher education reach a fifth more young people. And it's not just the new members who have gained: Spain doubled its exports, Italy increased its trade by 77%, and the Union as a whole became stronger, more diverse, and more secure. This is the true story of enlargement: more prosperity, more democracy, more opportunities.

"We are also committed to the reforms within the EU, such as switching from unanimity to qualified majority voting, so that a future Europe of 37 states can respond effectively to crises and global challenges.

"Today in Opatija, together with our progressive friends from the region, we reaffirm our commitment to a merit-based EU enlargement process, with the central goal of upholding democracy, the rule of law and fundamental values."

Tonino Picula, S&D MEP, European Parliament's rapporteur on Serbia, and a Croatian host of the event, added:

"Enlargement must remain anchored in democracy and the rule of law; otherwise we risk importing instability instead of exporting prosperity. Our progressive engagement ensures that accession is not just a geopolitical calculation, but a genuine democratic and social transformation.

"This is particularly true for Serbia, which is going through a historic civic revolt against democratic backsliding, media repression, and corruption. Serbia's accession depends on real reforms and a categorical choice to stand on Europe's side. This can only be achieved through progressive politics that empower civil society, protect minorities, and support the students and citizens demanding democracy in Belgrade and beyond.

"We need courage, honesty, and solidarity to move enlargement forward. The EU is not just a market - it is a community of values. In this respect, we count on Montenegro and Albania, the accession frontrunners with the ambitious goal of joining in 2028 and 2029 respectively, to show the way and prove that dreams can come true."