Strengthening the European perspective of the Western Balkans key to responding to citizens’ expectations for economic growth and prosperity
25 April 2018 News
Ways to move forward on the European perspective of the Western Balkans as a means to respond to citizens’ legitimate expectations of economic growth and prosperity were the focus of the conference "The Western Balkans’ European Perspective through Growth, Good Governance and Enhanced Cooperation", which the Bulgarian Presidency organised together with the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) in Brussels. The conference gathered European policymakers, who put forward their vision of what the EU can do to assist the region on its European path, and opinion leaders from the Western Balkans, who reaffirmed their commitment to delivering on the EU’s expectations.
"The European perspective and connectivity of the Western Balkans are among the key priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU. This corresponds to the long-term strategic interest of Bulgaria in a secure and stable environment, enabling the economic prosperity of all countries from the region, and fully relates to the renewed engagement of the EU with them. Today’s event is part of our efforts to reaffirm the EU's commitment to the Western Balkans and to steer the response of the region," Ms Emilia Kraleva, Bulgaria’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs said at the opening of the conference.
The conference focused on ways to upgrade both the EU’s commitment to the Western Balkans and the response of the region in order to best meet the expectations of citizens, with the support of the EU and through enhanced cooperation. The participants outlined the six flagship initiatives in the European Commission’s Strategy for the Western Balkans as a framework for the EU’s enhanced engagement with the region.
"The EU stands ready to help the region to better tackle security challenges, uphold the core principles of rule of law, democracy, and good neighbоurly relations, and develop modern infrastructure and connectivity. At the same time, the response of the region is and will continue to be essential," Ms Kraleva also said.
“The EU has been the main partner of the Western Balkans for many years. The region stands ready to deliver on the expectations of the EU but we also want to see a tangible perspective for our future in the EU,” Goran Svilanović, Secretary General of the RCC, said at the event.
Today's conference is part of the integrated efforts of the Bulgarian Presidency to promote a tangible European perspective of the Western Balkans. It takes place following the publication of the Commission’s Communication of 6 February and the regular Enlargement Package and paves the way for the EU-Western Balkans Summit, set to take place on 17 May in Sofia.
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