BRUSSELS, March 14 —The European Union will propose enhancing the security and defence of Western Balkans countries to “anchor” the region firmly within the 27-member bloc amid concern about threats from Russia, the EU’s foreign policy chief said today.

Josep Borrell told a news conference in Skopje that this was a moment to “reinvigorate the enlargement process” of the EU, and formal negotiations for the accession of North Macedonia and Albania to the bloc should start as soon as possible. — Reuters