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WB Foreign Ministers, EU Commissioner Varhelyi: We...
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WB Foreign Ministers, EU Commissioner Varhelyi: Western Balkans is geostrategic priority of European Union
Published on: Apr 30, 2020 • 10:00 PM Author: PR Service
"The Western Balkans is an integral part of Europe and a geostrategic priority of the European Union," it was noted at the video conference of Western Balkan Foreign Ministers and European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi.
The focus was on the Communication on support to the Western Balkans in tackling COVID-19 and the post-pandemic recovery, which represents the European Commission's contribution to the EU-Western Balkans Summit on 6 May 2020. The document provides an overview of the EU's financial support measures for the needs of the health system and the economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis in the Western Balkan countries, as well as for long-term investments that would support the economic development and reform processes of aspirant countries.
It was noted that the European perspective of the Region was once again confirmed by the decision to open negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania, but also by solidarity during the pandemic.
"The Western Balkans is part of the European Union's Recovery Strategy," said Commissioner Varhelyi.
He also highlighted the Union's commitment to cooperation with the Western Balkan countries in key areas. "The goal of further support is to favor grants over loans, improve transport, energy and digital connectivity, and increase investment in the economy, as well as help small and medium-sized enterprises," Varhelyi said.
Minister Srđan Darmanović emphasised that the support of the EU and its Member States in tackling COVID-19 pandemic was recognised and appreciated in Montenegro. "Despite the complexity of the situation, the EU has once again shown that it is a true partner of the Western Balkans, and its assistance to Montenegro in the recovery is the largest we have received so far," Darmanović said. He was particularly pleased that the EU had proven it had a geostrategic approach to the Region. He welcomed the Croatian EU Presidency in these challenging times, assessing that, despite the current situation, it provides an additional impetus for the European perspective of the Western Balkans.
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