EU Tightens Balkans Ties to Counter Russian Influence

Welcome to the Brussels Edition, Bloomberg’s daily briefing on what matters most in the heart of the European Union.

Accelerating the EU’s enlargement will be at the top of the agenda of a gathering of European and Western Balkans leaders in Tirana today. The discussions are part of a broader effort to keep those aspiring to become EU countries close to the bloc amid efforts by Moscow to wield its influence in the region and a long-delayed membership process. A key motivation for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine was to sow turmoil more broadly in Europe, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama told us in an interview. EU leaders in Tirana will stress the importance of aligning with the bloc’s Russia sanctions, an official told us, adding that they would also offer the countries support in dealing with the fallout from the war, especially on energy.

— Natalia Drozdiak and Irina Vilcu