Nuland arrives in Dubrovnik for conference on Western Balkan EU integration

Assistant US Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland arrives tomorrow in Dubrovnik for the 9th forum on Western Balkan integration into the European Union „Croatia Forum“, learns the Bosnian news agency Patria (NAP).

This will be the first visit of this high-ranking US official to the region since she assumed office last year. However, as we learn, her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina is not planned this time.

Nuland will have the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zlatko Lagumdžija, who will participate together with heads of diplomacy from the EU and the region in the traditional gathering in Dubrovnik.

The Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the arrival of a large number of ministers from more than 14 countries, as well as EU Enlargement Commissioner Štefan File.  

This year's Croatia Forum „EU Integration of the Western Balkans: Current Situation“ will be held, traditionally, in Dubrovnik from July 10 to 12, 2014. The discussion will focus on the European integration process of the Western Balkan region.

- More than a decade after the start of the last wave of EU enlargement, the countries of the region are at different stages of EU integration, from member states to potential candidates. Although the paths are different, depending on formal status, speed, readiness and commitment, the goal is the same for all countries – EU membership – state from the Croatian MFA.

This year at the Croatia Forum, the current situation will be discussed, as well as future steps, especially possible alternative approaches to enlargement, reports NAP.