Brussels: Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić participates in European policy Summit “Western Balkans: Fast Lane, Slow Lane”

Brussels, Belgium (3 December 2013) -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Lukšić participated today in the European policy Summit “Western Balkans: Fast Lane, Slow Lane,” organised by the Friends of Europe. The Summit was launched by Štefan Füle, EU Enlargement Commissioner, and participants were head diplomats of Macedonia and Albania, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, and MEPs.

The focus of Mr Lukšić’s panel was on the activities of Western Balkan states in the context of overcoming the negative effects of the economic crisis and in ensuring growth.

Noting that the growth achieved prior to the crisis was not sustainable, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that in order to find appropriate solutions for the consequences of the crisis, it is necessary to assess the national and the regional agenda. He noted that the key lies in integration efforts aimed at ensuring long-term preconditions for progress through development of institutions, improving the rule of law, and the measures in the area of structural reform, improving the business environment, and economic governance.

Minister Lukšić pointed to the need of stronger regional connections in the Western Balkans in the areas of infrastructure, joint efforts to reduce business barriers, and the fight against organised crime. He noted this affects these countries’ attractiveness for investment, bearing in mind that the region’s countries are still dependent of foreign direct investment. In that regard, DPM Lukšić voiced his expectation of a greater inflow of FDI from EU countries.

Mr Lukšić underlined Montenegro works diligently towards ensuring its economy’s competitiveness, especially in the areas of energy and tourism.