Macron: Western Balkans have their place in the EU

(Patria) - Europe can no longer turn away from the Western Balkans, because the Western Balkans, throughout its tragic history and promises for the future, is tied to the Russian continent, said French President Emmanuel Macron in his address to the European Parliament today. 

Macron says it shows how strong the EU is and how fragile some things are. During his speech, Macron also referred to the Western Balkans region.

"At the heart of our continent, the Western Balkans bear scars that remind us of insecurity. That is why today we have a call to act and to re-examine our relationship with the countries of the Western Balkans," said Macron.

He said that the accession methodology has been modernized in recent months.

"But we must say clearly and concretely that in its current form, the EU cannot function with 31 or 32 countries. It is simply not possible. We have the task of re-examining the rules within the EU so that we can make decisions faster. This is the Europe in which the Western Balkans have their place," said Macron, adding that this is a topic that France will raise at the EU conference with the Western Balkan countries, which is planned for May this year.