The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, visited Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina on her first trip to the Western Balkans.

In Sarajevo, Kallas said that the European Union was on the side of Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding that the actions of the authorities in the Republika Srpska entity were undermining the constitutional order in the country.

"The EU will not tolerate any threats to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and constitutional order of this country," Kallas was quoted as saying by the European Western Balkans portal.

Kallas visited EU troops in the Butmir camp as part of the EUFOR Althea mission.

"As part of our commitment to support Bosnia and Herzegovina, last month we increased the number of troops in the country in response to the political crisis. The safe and secure environment in the country must not be jeopardised. In today's talks, I stressed that political leaders must work to bridge divisions, not deepen them," Kallas said.

The chairwoman of the three-member Bosniak presidency, Zeljka Cvijanovic, said the country's path towards the EU faced many obstacles.

She noted that the problems can be solved if there is mutual understanding, stressing that Bosnia and Herzegovina can overcome these challenges "through reasonable behaviour on the part of the EU".

She said the meeting with Kallas was an opportunity to demonstrate to EU officials how different views in BiH really are.

Referring to the situation in the entity RS, Cvijanovic rejected claims that something was happening there that could undermine BiH's territorial integrity.

"There is no need for anyone to warn us - nothing is happening in Republika Srpska that could threaten the territorial integrity of BiH," Cvijanovic said.

At the joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, the EU High Representative emphasized that Albania could potentially become an EU member by 2030.

She described Albania as a truly strong EU partner and noted that the country is fully aligned with the EU's foreign and security policy.

"Your decision to fully implement EU sanctions against Russia, as well as your humanitarian and political support for Ukraine, demonstrate your strong commitment to EU values. I understand that politically this is not always an easy choice. You are also a valuable and constructive partner in regional cooperation, especially by helping to ensure a secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Kallas, addressing Prime Minister Edi Rama.

She assured that the EU remains fully committed to Albania and that this partnership brings mutual benefits. Kallas added that Albania has an ambitious plan to complete EU accession negotiations in the next two years.

Asked whether 2030 is a realistic target for Albania's EU accession, Kallas answered in the affirmative, stressing that it is achievable if all parties meet their obligations.

Prime Minister Rama said that Albania is fully aligned with the European Union in all areas.

He revealed that during his meeting with Commissioner Kallas they discussed the accession process and the "very ambitious timetable" agreed with the European Commission to conclude negotiations by 2027.

"There are no outstanding issues or problems between Albania and the EU. We are fully aligned in every respect, especially in Albania's foreign policy, which is 100% in line with the EU," Rama said.

Kallas started his regional visit with meetings with Montenegrin officials. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, she praised Montenegro's commitment to reforms, reiterating that there are no shortcuts to membership - only through reforms can progress be made.

"I welcome Montenegro's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and for the UN Charter. I also welcome your generosity in accepting Ukrainian refugees. As far as I understand, you have taken in more refugees per capita than any other country in the world," Kallas said.

Prime Minister Spajic reaffirmed Montenegro's determination to maintain the current pace of reform.

"Last year was the most successful so far in terms of Montenegro's European integration and sets the stage for continued progress this year. Montenegro has no doubts - the European Union is our strategic path and nothing can divert us from it. We are the only country in the UN that votes in full accordance with EU decisions. We are grateful for the support you have given us to strengthen our defence, allowing us to participate in joint NATO and EU activities. This shows our commitment to foreign policy, regardless of who is prime minister or who is in government," Spajic said.

Kallas did not travel to Serbia or Kosovo during her visit to the region. She said that the EU was working on an analysis of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina in order to promote the process of normalisation of relations between the two countries.

"What we are doing this month is sitting down with the special envoy to really look at what the mistakes along the way have been, what is working and what is not, and to 'light a new fire' in this normalisation process," Kallas explained, without providing further details. | BGNES