Leaders of Balkan Countries Support Ukraine at Summit in Athens

Eleven leaders of Balkan countries, including Greece, signed a declaration in support of the territorial integrity of Ukraine during a summit in Athens.

“The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a pivotal moment for Europe, creating a new level of awareness of shared principles, unity, and common future within the EU. This is a critical time for the security, peace, and stability of our European continent. The laws and principles that contributed to a stable and predictable European security order for so long have been violated, and we witness anew the manifestation of the disastrous effects of revisionism,” reads the document.

It is noted that the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova, geographically adjacent to EU Member States, “have a common European heritage, history and a future defined by shared opportunities and challenges.”

The leaders stressed the importance for these regions to be “embraced as full-fledged members of the European family.”

It is emphasised that the Athens Summit Declaration is a new manifestation of the Balkan leaders, including Greece, “in the face of the challenge of Russian aggression” to express “unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.”

The leaders also expressed their support and gratitude to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, who took part in the informal meeting.

Zelensky is visiting Greece, and before that, he visited Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

In Greece, the President of Ukraine and Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis signed a joint declaration in support of the Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine.

Bohdan Marusyak