DIPLOMACY Western Balkan geostrategic priority of the EU

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Western Balkan is an integral part of Europe and a geostrategic priority of the European Union, it was assessed today at a meeting of regional foreign ministers with the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Olivér Várhelyi, which was organised via videoconference.

The focus of the discussion was the document "Commission Communication on support for the Western Balkan in dealing with COVID-19 and recovery after the pandemic", which represents a contribution of the European Commission ahead of the EU-Western Balkan Summit on 6 May, it was announced from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, CdM reports.

The document contains an overview of EU financial support measures for the needs of the health system and economic recovery from the crisis caused by COVID-19 in the countries of the Western Balkan, as well as for long-term investments that would support economic development and reform processes of the candidate countries for membership.

It was noted that the European perspective of the region was once again confirmed by the adoption of the decision to open negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania.

„It is of key importance that the EU continues to project stability and contribute to the prosperity of the region, which represents our common strategic interest”, the document states, CdM reports.

The commitment to the Western Balkan is also evidenced by the fact that in the European Union's plan, at the top of priorities is the recovery of neighbours, among which the countries of the region are considered the closest.

„The Western Balkan is part of the European Union's Recovery Strategy“, emphasised Commissioner Várhelyi.

Also, he pointed to the Union's commitment to cooperation with the countries of the Western Balkan in key areas.

„The goal of further support is to favour grants over loans, improve transport, energy and digital connectivity, and increase investments in the economy, as well as help small and medium-sized enterprises“, assessed Várhelyi.