Minister Radulović in Poznanj: Visegrad Group resolutely and unequivocally supports the enlargement of the Union to the Western Balkans

The countries of the Visegrad Group (V4) - Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic will continue to provide strong support to the EU enlargement process to the Western Balkans - it was said at the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Visegrad Group and the Western Balkans in Poznanj today, in which Foreign Minister Djordje Radulovic took part.

The ministers agreed that the European future of the Western Balkans has no alternative. The V4 countries reiterated their strong support and commitment to the enlargement process, but also the expectation that the stagnation in the negotiations will be overcome during Slovenia's forthcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union. At the same time, they supported the readiness of Montenegro and Serbia to continue negotiations according to the new EU methodology and expressed the expectation that the negotiation process with Northern Macedonia and Albania will be launched in the coming months.

The ministers of the Western Balkan countries reiterated their readiness and commitment to continue their reform processes. However, the need for a positive response from the EU as soon as possible was pointed out, so that the countries of the Region would have additional confirmation that their efforts are valued.

Minister Radulović assessed that the Visegrad Group proved to be a model of unique and successful regional cooperation, as well as solidarity, trust and a European vision.

We are convinced that a decisive enlargement policy can only contribute to the security and prosperity of Europe. For Montenegro, EU membership remains a key goal and a safe port - said Minister Radulović.

He pointed out that although he is aware that more needs to be done, the negotiation process is a two-way street, which means that the EU must be more assertive in terms of reviving this process.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today in Poznanj between the Western Balkans Fund and the International Visegrad Fund, which is an additional mechanism for cooperation between the countries and an incentive for the implementation of specific projects.