Joined by Slovenia, Croatia and European Commission representatives, Western Balkan leaders will discuss the situation in the region.

The emphasis will be on dialogue between Belgrade and Prishtina, which has stalled after Serbia introduced 100% duties on Kosovo exports in November.

Prime Minister Šarec and Croatia's Andrej Plenković have been invited as experts on the region that are already in the EU.

Šarec plans to highlight Slovenia's promotion of neighbourly relations, the need to resolve open issues in the region, reconciliation and the strengthening of regional cooperation.

He will also emphasise how important it is for countries from the region to progress towards EU and NATO membership, his office said.