Ursula von der Leyen promises strong support for the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union, if she receives a second mandate at the head of the European Commission.
"You will see me in the next term as a strong supporter of the enlargement and the Western Balkans", said von der Leyen.
Speaking in Brussels alongside the president of the European People's Party Manfred Weber, the current head of the European Commission expressed optimism about this goal.
"This remains a merit-based process. I am happy that the countries of the Western Balkans, as well as Ukraine and Moldova, are doing everything they can to carry out the necessary reforms and move towards the European Union", she added.
Von der Leyen made the statements at the conference of her presentation as a candidate of the European People's Party for the position of President of the Commission. The EPP is expected to secure the majority of seats in the European Parliament in the European parliamentary elections in June and the chances are that Ursula von der Leyen will also secure a second mandate.