File presented a new approach towards the Western Balkans!

European Commissioner for Enlargement Štefan File announced today in London at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) conference on investment in the Western Balkans a new approach by the European Union towards this part of Europe, which will focus on economic reforms and development, reports the BH News Agency.

In his speech at the gathering attended by the prime ministers of all countries in the region, including Vjekoslav Bevanda, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH, File said that he is presenting for the first time a new approach that was announced in the adopted enlargement strategy, reports the BH News Agency Patria (NAP).

- None of the Western Balkan countries have a functional market economy. Unemployment in the region is high. Especially among young people. Internal debts are also increasing, and the situation is unstable when it comes to external factors. Competition is often disrupted by political decisions that are not market-oriented. These problems must be solved through credible reforms – said File.

He added that the European Commission plans to initiate talks with the countries of the region on macroeconomic, fiscal, and financial stability, similar to the talks it already has with Kosovo.

- Our dialogue will be based on national reform programs, and the result should be a common set of recommendations for each country. Together with the International Monetary Fund, we will provide technical assistance in implementing the recommendations – said File. He added that the new concept was already presented last week in Sarajevo, and stated that the European Union will also address the current social and economic problems in BiH.