Is the absence of female drivers in Formula One an embarrassment for the sport?

On December 16, 2024, a significant letter was sent from the foreign and European affairs ministers of Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia to the head of European diplomacy, Kaia Kallas, and the Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. The letter emphasized the urgency of integrating the Western Balkans into the European Union. The ministers acknowledged the geopolitical changes following Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine, suggesting that the enlargement policy has gained renewed importance within the context of European stability and security. The letter characterized the integration of the Western Balkans as a geostrategic litmus test for the EU. The ministers argued that only through full membership and integration can long-term stability and prosperity be achieved across the continent. Furthermore, they expressed their full support for the European Commission's initiative to enhance the enlargement process in the coming critical years, highlighting the necessity for tangible progress in this integration effort. In outlining their desires for the Western Balkans, the ministers called for a clear agenda and defined timelines for the implementation of the Growth Plan. They stressed the need for the region to align gradually with the single market and engage in EU policies, contingent upon fulfilling necessary conditions. This approach aims to provide a clearer perspective of EU membership and deliver visible results for citizens in the region, especially targeting the youth to cultivate stronger support for the EU. In concluding the letter, the ministers encouraged the Western Balkan partners to accelerate essential reforms, foster regional cooperation, cultivate good neighborly relations, and establish a joint regional market to act as a precursor to full integration into the EU's single market. This overarching strategy not only aims at producing positive outcomes for the individuals in the Western Balkans but also seeks to fortify their allegiance to the European Union amidst broader security challenges in Europe.