Munich Security Conference: Russia's influence is not just a European issue but also NATO's

MUNICH, (Patria) - On the second day of the Munich Security Conference, the attention of those gathered was focused on Europe-Russia relations, as well as the current influence of the United States of America. The Western Balkans region was also mentioned today from the EU's perspective in light of the challenges it faces on the path towards Euro-Atlantic integration.

President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker boasted that he was right when he said that by the end of his term, no country from the Western Balkans would become a member of the EU, and announced a visit to the region.

- Regarding the Western Balkans region, you remember that I said in 2014 that none of these countries would be ready for membership in the Union by 2019, and this has now been confirmed. None of these countries are ready today, and if I had said they would be then, you would have criticized me today. We recently published a strategy for the Western Balkans, and this shows our commitment to this region. I will soon visit the Western Balkans region, and I hope this will also bring positive messages - Juncker stated.

And for Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, the security issue is not just a European issue.

- When we talk about security in Europe, we must say that the Russian issue is not a problem only for Europe but for the entire NATO - Morawiecki claims.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz thinks similarly. He warns of the possibility of the situation worsening and stated that the centers of power have shifted.

- The United States has the greatest economic power in history, but they have withdrawn from the international stage. China is filling that political vacuum - Kurz assesses.

US National Security Advisor H. R. McMaster believes that it is no longer possible to believe in a global alliance of great powers.

The Munich Security Conference concludes on February 18, when US foreign policy and the situation in the Middle East will be discussed.

The Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Zvizdić, is also attending the conference in Munich.