Presidents of Brdo-Brijuni Process participating countries adopted the Skopje Declaration

(Patria) - Presidents of the participating countries of the Brdo-Brijuni Process adopted the Skopje Declaration at today's meeting held in North Macedonia.

The Declaration, which was agreed upon in English, emphasizes "the vital importance of accelerating the integration process of the Western Balkans into the European Union, the need to adapt to the effects of climate change, and the debate on measures to ensure the vitality of society by retaining young people in the Western Balkans region".

The presidents of the Western Balkan countries, as well as the presidents of Croatia and Slovenia, pledged to intensify the strategic dialogue with EU institutions by reaffirming their stance on the EU enlargement policy and the membership perspective of the Western Balkans, in order to accelerate the EU accession process and prevent the neglect of the region. The EU, as well as the Western Balkans, should be ready for enlargement as soon as possible, but no later than 2030, in order to achieve this goal.

Regarding the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and its spillover effect on the Western Balkans, the Skopje Declaration reiterates the need for a strong, resilient, and inclusive European Union, with the Western Balkans as part of it.

"We recognize that comprehensive political, economic, and social reforms are key to joining the EU. We commit to intensifying efforts in implementing reforms in the Western Balkans, aimed at strengthening the rule of law, progress, and the functioning of democratic institutions and public administration," the Declaration states.

The participants also pledged to work together on fostering an atmosphere of mutual trust, understanding, and peaceful and lasting resolution of open bilateral issues.

"We emphasize the importance of achieving tangible benefits and opportunities for the citizens of the Western Balkans even before formal accession. Therefore, we call on the EU to consider opening pathways that would enable the Western Balkans to access concrete EU policies, initiatives, and funds, thereby bringing some of the benefits of EU membership closer to the people in the Western Balkans today," the Declaration states.

In the section on combating the effects of climate change and mitigating them, it is emphasized that adaptation to climate change is a shared responsibility that requires joint efforts from governments, civil society, the private sector, and international partners.

"We are committed to accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency to reduce carbon impact and ensure a sustainable energy future. This may include environmentally friendly investments in hydro, solar, wind, and geothermal resources," the conclusion of the meeting states.

It is highlighted that the floods that affected Slovenia and Croatia this year, as well as the wildfires across the region, confirm the need for joint work and mutual assistance in facing common challenges.

In the section dedicated to retaining young people in the Western Balkans region, it is stated that the emigration of young people from the Western Balkans has significant consequences for the long-term vitality of societies, sustainable economic growth, and social progress.

"We recognize the essential importance of retaining young people in the Western Balkans. We are firmly convinced that harnessing the potential of young people is vital for the progress of our societies and the achievement of long-term prosperity," the Declaration states, among other things, in which the participants commit to creating an attractive and competitive business environment that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and the creation of new jobs, thereby retaining young people in the region.