EU enlargement in the Western Balkans will depend solely on the merits of each candidate country, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday during her visit to the VMZ defense plant in Sopot, Bulgaria.

Every country chooses whether it wants to join the EU or not. Enlargement is in the Union’s interest – a stronger, more secure and competitive EU means a stronger Europe in the world, Von der Leyen told BGNES.

She warned of Russian interference in the Western Balkans and Moldova and stressed the EU must back its partners against hybrid threats.

“Accession will remain a merit-based process. | BGNES