The future of the Western Balkans is in the EU

The future of the Western Balkans is in the EU, especially having in mind the geopolitical significance of the accession of the countries of the region to the EU, as well as the impact of the European integration process on the stability of the European continent as a whole, said Chief Negotiator Zorka Kordić.

Kordić participated in the panel discussion "The Western Balkans and the European Union. A Realistic Plan or a Distant Dream?", which was organised within the the 30th Economic Forum in Karpacz, Poland.

The Chief Negotiator stressed that Montenegro is clear about achieving its key foreign policy priority and that EU membership is a realistic strategic plan. In this context, she pointed out that a good framework for its implementation is the application of the New accession methodology. Montenegro will use it, she added, both for the opportunities provided by early integration measures, and for strengthening visibility on the European scene and participating in discussions concerning the future of Europe.

Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk and the Secretary General of the Assembly of European Regions Christian Spahr also spoke at the panel. They agreed that the European Union cannot be complete without the Western Balkans.

The panelists pointed out the importance of the support of EU member states through a strengthened and sincere partnership with the countries of the Western Balkans, as well as the need to develop a joint communication strategy for EU enlargement. Also, the importance of civic participation as an important instrument for achieving social progress and faster integration into the EU was emphasised.

As they pointed out, the full membership of the Western Balkan countries in the European Union is a common goal of both the Western Balkan countries and the EU, and the citizens should take a more active and visible role in the negotiation process.