Strengthening Western Balkans’ European Perspective Will Meet Citizens’ Expectations of Economic Growth and Prosperity
25 April 2018 News
The possible ways to assist the European perspective of the Western Balkans as an essential means of meeting citizens’ legitimate expectations of economic growth and prosperity topped the agenda of a Conference on “The Western Balkans’ European Perspective through Growth, Good Governance and Enhanced Cooperation”, which the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council organised jointly with the Regional Cooperation Council in Brussels. The conference got together representatives of the European institutions and of Member States, who presented their vision of the EU’s contribution to the region’s progress along the road to Europe, and representatives of the Western Balkan countries, who reaffirmed their commitment to satisfy the EU’s expectations.
“The Western Balkans’ European perspective and connectivity are among the key priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council. They are consistent with Bulgaria’s long-term strategic interest in a secure and stable environment promoting the economic prosperity of all countries in the region, as well as with the EU’s renewed commitment to them. Today’s event is part of our efforts to reconfirm the EU’s commitment to the Western Balkans and to encourage our partners to share their views,” Bulgaria’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Emilia Kraleva said at the opening of the conference.
The discussion at the event focused on ways of strengthening the EU’s commitment to the Western Balkans and on the response of the region. The idea is, ultimately, to identify the best way of meeting citizens’ expectations through the support of the EU and through more vigorous cooperation. The participants were unanimous that the six flagship initiatives of the European Commission’s Strategy for the Western Balkans outline a framework for an enhanced EU presence in the region.
“The European Union is ready to help the region cope better with security challenges, adhere to the principles of the rule of law, democracy and good-neighbourly relations and develop modern infrastructure and connectivity. The region’s response is and will continue to be of key importance,” Deputy Minister Kraleva added.
“The European Union has been the main partner of the Western Balkans for years. The region is ready to respond to the EU’s expectations but is willing to see a tangible perspective for its future in the Union,” Regional Cooperation Council Secretary General Goran Svilanović said during the event.
Today’s conference is part of the efforts of the Bulgarian Presidency to promote the European perspective of the Western Balkans. The event is organised after the European Commission published its Strategy of 6 February 2018 and the regular Enlargement Package, shortly before the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia on 17 May.
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