Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said the time has come for the Western Balkans to join the European Union now, as the world faces another armed conflict in the Middle East.

According to von der Leyen, the old world order no longer exists and will not return.

“Europe can no longer act as the guardian of the old global order,” she said. “That world has disappeared and will not come back. Therefore, it is crucial that we move the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine closer to our Union now. Enlargement is not about ideology. Instead, it is about common European interest and security. And we must be ready to act when the time comes.”

Speaking about tensions involving Iran, von der Leyen also urged Europe not to shed tears for the Iranian regime.

“Europe must focus on reality and see the world as it truly is today,” she said. “Let me be clear: no tears should be shed for the Iranian regime. We must be ready to project our power more decisively.”

Her remarks came as EU interior ministers gathered in Brussels to discuss the security situation following the outbreak of conflict involving Iran. They also examined the risk that the war could trigger a new wave of migration toward Europe.