Western Balkans and EU Leaders Summit in Kotor, O'Brien and Varhelji also attending

(Patria) - The Summit of Western Balkans and European Union leaders, under the slogan "One Region, Common Vision", is being held today in Kotor, during which leaders of the region's countries, representatives of the European Union and the United States of America will discuss the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

At the beginning, the host, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, addressed the attendees, welcoming the officials.

"In Montenegro, we say 'where the family isn't angry, the house isn't cramped', so I hope you will enjoy our small country," said Spajić.

He reiterated that the Government of Montenegro is committed to European reforms and the implementation of measures necessary to achieve the Growth Plan.

"In the context of economic challenges, Montenegro is committed to infrastructure development in line with the plan until 2030. Also, we believe that investing in young people is an investment in a secure future, so we believe that young people are the key lever of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. By opening new horizons, I am sure we will get closer to the European Union market," says Spajić.

Investing in human resources and their preservation, Spajić claims, will help achieve the objective goals set by the Growth Plan.

"I am sure that during the Summit we will have the opportunity to align our priorities. Also, I believe we will agree that the European Union is stronger with more members and that it will soon be ready for enlargement towards the Western Balkan countries," Spajić stated.

European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelji, as well as the Assistant Secretary of State of the United States for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien, gave welcoming addresses.

Borjana Krišto, Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of BiH, announced that BiH has opened a new chapter that brings the country closer to European society, and that it will remain committed to its pro-European path.

Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti confirmed the commitment to the reforms set by the European Union, stating that it is important to implement them for the Growth Plan to be realized.

"I ask Serbia to prosecute Milan Radojičić and his paramilitary structure, so that we can resolve the case of the terrorist attack in Banjska, when four people were killed," Kurti stated, regarding the resolution of that situation.

Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama said it was a pleasure to come to the Bay of Kotor. He expressed enthusiasm and thanked Oliver Varhelji and the Commission for their commitment.

"The progress we have made since the last meeting in Skopje speaks for itself. We have prepared individual reform plans, and much more progress. We are ready," Rama announced.

"It is time for our region to become part of the digital monetary market. The integration of our region into the EU is, I believe, certain, because we have shown our commitment to this path," Rama believes.

Rama says that one should not wait for all reforms to be implemented for the EU to open its doors to the Western Balkan countries, but, he says, it is necessary to be part of the Union before all reforms are implemented in order to see how it is implemented in practice and to adapt more easily to the market we belong to.

The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is already being implemented, and at the summit we will discuss how to implement all the region's priorities for this year, stated European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelji before the opening of the Summit of Western Balkans and European Union Leaders in Kotor.

According to him, the most important among these priorities is SEPA, i.e., the area of common euro payments. He stated that all citizens and businesses in the entire region can benefit from this plan starting from the first day of next year.

Assistant Secretary of State of the USA for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien stated that the USA strongly supports the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans because it implies a better future for citizens and countries.

Before the start of the Summit of Western Balkans and EU leaders in Kotor, he said that it comes down to four freedoms - people, goods, capital, and services, to move across borders.

"Countries that fulfill their reform conditions will join the European payment area, which will reduce costs by perhaps seven percent every time someone sends money. This will reduce borrowing costs, which will enable businesses to expand. This is about showing the benefits for the citizens of the region in joining the European market," said O'Brien.

The summit is organized under the slogan "One Region, Common Vision".

In addition to leaders and ministers from the region's countries, partner organizations such as the Regional Cooperation Council, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, the World Bank, the Transport Community, the Atlantic Council, the Energy Community, the Open Society Foundations, ReSPA, GIZ, high representatives of the European Commission, and others have been invited to the event.