French Strategy for the Western Balkans

1. Presentation

As highlighted by the President of the Republic, the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union is part of the “reunification” of the European continent. In a region exposed to many foreign influences, Russia’s war of aggression since 2022 has further strengthened the geopolitical necessity to anchor the Western Balkans in Europe.

France stands with the Western Balkans to support their reform efforts with a view to their joining the European Union. The accession process is based on the individual merits and progress of each candidate country.

2. Priorities

The French Strategy for the Western Balkans is based on 5 pillars.

I. Developing political relations

• Increasing high-level political meetings in and bilateral visits to France and the Western Balkans countries. The President of the Republic has visited Albania (October 2023, May 2025) and Serbia (July 2019, August 2024), and has received all the Heads of State and government of the Western Balkans. Ministers, particularly the Minister for Europe, travel to the region regularly.

• A special envoy for the Western Balkans was appointed in October 2023.

• France is working within the European Union, as well as with international institutions active in the Western Balkans (NATO, UN, OSCE, etc.). It is supporting regional cooperation.

II. Contributing to regional peace, security and stability

• France is working to promote peace and security and to resolve disputes in the region. It is actively supporting the EU-facilitated Dialogue on the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

• It is conducting bilateral cooperation projects in the area of defence and taking part in EU and NATO operations and missions on the ground. France is contributing to the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) and leading the strategic command of Operation ALTHEA, the European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• France cooperates closely with countries in the region as regards internal security, particularly to strengthen the fight against organized crime, irregular immigration, drug trafficking and human trafficking. For over 20 years, an inter-ministerial centre for expertise dedicated to security in South-East Europe has been based in Belgrade.

• Cyber security is a strong part of France’s enhanced cooperation with countries in the region in the face of growing cyberattacks. France, Slovenia and Montenegro established the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Center (WB3C), based in Podgorica (Montenegro). Inaugurated on 9 December 2024, its mission is to provide training and build the capacities of Western Balkan countries in cyber security, digital diplomacy and the fight against cyber crime.

#Cyber security | The inauguration of the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre #WB3C in Podgorica, Montenegro 🇲🇪.
Learn about its role, particularly with a view to these countries’ prospects of 🇪🇺 accession.
Further information ➡️ https://t.co/PBDly3bqqg pic.twitter.com/wTG3HIYUdJ

— France Diplomacy 🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@francediplo_EN) December 30, 2024

III. Strengthening the rule of law

Supporting the consolidation of the rule of law is central for the Western Balkans. France aims to support reforms underway in partner countries, particularly as regards the fight against corruption, and strengthening justice, human rights, good governance and gender equality.

IV. Developing cooperation and economic relations

France’s increased commitment to the region’s economic and social development is seen in:

• The roll-out of the work of the Agence française de développement (AFD) in cooperation with public institutions, private companies and civil society organizations. Since 2019, AFD has become an important actor in the development of the Western Balkans.

• The implementation of bilateral and European cooperation projects in multiple sectors (environment, climate, transport and infrastructure, resilience and urban adaptation, agriculture, social services and administrative reform).

• In a region which offers opportunities for French companies, France’s engagement is aimed at supporting the development of its economic presence and trade (€2,6 billion in trade with France in 2024: up 56% on 2020).

V. Strengthening human and cultural ties between societies

Cooperation initiatives have been developed:

• in the area of French teaching and promoting the Francophonie;
• in the culture and audiovisual sectors;
• in the areas of higher education, science and research;
• in support of young people and civil society.

For example, in September 2024, France launched the “Shared Horizons” project, which aims to promote reconciliation and a shared appreciation of the European future of the Western Balkans. It is operational across the six countries, through partnerships with civil society actors, focusing on four themes: (i) developing youth mobility, based around the theme of sport; (ii) reclaiming and promoting shared historical heritage; (iii) fighting disinformation and hate speech; (iv) promoting debate.

These projects also help to strengthen France’s presence and visibility.

^{Updated: May 2025}