Brexit Britain sidesteps another EU conundrum as von der Leyen waves a £26 billion check, saying, "It's not Monopoly money, I promise!"

’Further Evidence That ‘Rejoining’ Does Not Represent the ‘Status Quo’

Recent developments show that 'Rejoin' doesn’t mean keeping things as they are. Think of it as trying to reheat a soufflé—never quite the same! Despite some economic hiccups, Germany has boldly decided to expand the European Union by inviting six economically challenged Balkan nations to the party. This grand plan includes a hefty EU investment of €31 billion (or about £25 billion), which the UK will now dodge thanks to Brexit. So, while the EU is busy playing Monopoly, the UK is off the board, sipping tea and counting its savings!

Only four days Just before the Moldova referendum on EU membership, and after a €1.8 billion incentive was dangled like a carrot in front of a very sceptical donkey by Ursula von der Leyen, she then jetted off to Berlin, not for the bratwurst, but to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process Summit. This formal shindig featured the German Federal government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, leaders from the six Balkan nations, and a few key EU figures, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen—who, rumor has it, can solve EU problems faster than you can say "Bratwurst."

Chancellor Scholz emphasized the need to welcome the six Western Balkan countries into the EU, joking that their future is as tied to EU membership as a cat is to a laser pointer. He quipped that it's "high time" to turn the endless discussions into action, adding, "Let's stop circling the dance floor and finally ask them to tango!"

Berlin Process Summit - October 14, 2024: A pivotal gathering aimed at fostering regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans.

“The six countries of the Western Balkans are part of the European family. Their future lies in the European Union.”

- Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor, Berlin, 14 Oct 2024

“We have helped the budgets of the countries in the Western Balkans, through our one billion euros energy support package, to deal with the high energy costs. We are now building the infrastructure with EUR 30 billion under an investment plan to make the Western Balkans independent.”

• Ursula von der Leyen, EU Commission President, Berlin, 14 Oct 2024

The strategy proposed by Germany and the European Union aims to replace the economic influence of the United Kingdom by incorporating six smaller countries. However, the total GDP of these six nations combined represents only 5% of the GDP of the UK.

The Western Balkans countries

Once the EU's plans are realized, it will have lost one member country, gained six new ones, and experienced a decrease of $3.18 trillion in annual GDP.

• Economy of the Balkans: $157.8 billion for all six countries COMBINED
• Economy of the UK : $3,340.0 billion — 21 times as large

[Source: World Bank, figures for 2023.]

There are six Balkans countries:

• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Kosovo (still not recognised by the UN and many countries around the world)
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Serbia

Very broadly speaking, the six Western Balkans countries are situated east of Italy, north of Greece, and south of Croatia, Hungary, Romania and The six Western Balkan countries are located east of Italy, north of Greece, and south of Croatia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. They occupy a region not yet included among EU member states.. They ‘fill in a gap’ in the map of EU member states

The EU's Strategic Vision for Integrating Balkan Nations in a Post-Brexit Era

Federica Mogherini, a former Communist and effectively the European Union's Foreign and Defence Secretary, was instrumental in shaping EU policy. During the World Economic Forum in late 2017, she elaborated on the EU's strategic intentions to integrate the Balkans into the Union as a means of compensating for the United Kingdom's departure.

You have to laugh at how she and the rest of the EU saw the UK back then.

“The big loser of the game that currently is being played will be the UK.”

“We always think the EU future will be the 27. Actually we are negotiating accession with several countries.”

“When we talk about the future of the EU, we have to take into consideration that countries especially in the Western Balkans will eventually become members of the European Union so we will be more than 27. The power of attraction of the EU is still extremely strong.”

- Federica Mogherini, Vice-President of EU Commission, 2017

.The breakup of Yugoslavia has left the region juggling more issues than a circus clown, presenting the European Union with foreign policy and military challenges that could make anyone's head spin. Given its close proximity, the EU's responses—or the awkward silence—during this chaotic time are often seen as about as effective as a chocolate teapot by many observers.

The six Western Balkan countries are on a promising path towards growth like a toddler finally mastering the art of walking without face-planting. Sure, crime and corruption are still hanging around like that one guest who won’t leave the party, but there’s a glimmer of hope for positive change. The UK has been like a trusty sidekick in the region’s progress, cape and all. We’re eagerly counting down the days until the British Foreign Office can spread its wings and fly solo, free from the EU’s foreign policy playbook.

Over the years, the UK has been like a generous friend who always shows up with a casserole dish for the neighbourhood potluck, contributing a substantial amount of aid to the region. In the past, some of this aid wore the EU hat, thanks to the UK's membership in the European Union. But now, with the UK having left the EU, it's like the casserole dish has a new label. Recipients will increasingly recognize the UK's direct generosity and support—it's like getting a gift and realizing it was from Auntie UK all along, not the mysterious EU cousin!

The European Union is on a mission to win over its taxpayers for the grand entrance of six economically challenged countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Think of it as the EU's version of adopting a litter of adorable yet financially needy puppies. This strategic move aims to bolster the EU's economic and political stability after the UK decided to pull a Houdini act and vanish, leaving behind the title of the sixth-largest economy in the world. Now, the EU is hoping these new additions will bring some fresh energy—perhaps even a new recipe for economic success (or at least a good Balkan stew).

Sources: World Bank | UN | EU Commission | EU Council ]