14.02.2020
I am convinced that the Western Balkans are no longer at a crossroad. The strategic choice of generations was made for their European future. We must continue to work together to make sure that the region does not fall back into the uncertainty of the past. This is what Prime Minister Boyko Borissov noted during the Balkan Security Round Table, “Coordination, Cooperation, Consolidation? Moving the Western Balkans Forward,” which is being held in the framework of the Munich Security Conference.
Prime Minister Borissov pointed out the positive transformative power of the Euro-Atlantic and European integration and its key role in the security, stability and future of the Western Balkans. "We have witnessed a lot of positive developments in the region in recent years," the Prime Minister said, adding that challenges remain to be overcome. Borissov noted that the enlargement is a bilateral process and both sides - the EU and the countries of the Western Balkans have to fulfil their commitments.
Prime Minister Boyko Borissov described as disappointing the lack of a green light to launch the accession talks with the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania last October. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the European Council would reach a consensus to start the accession talks during the March 2020 meeting. According to Borissov, a further delay risks raising nationalist sentiments in the region and may exacerbate tensions with neighbouring countries. "We cannot afford to make strategic mistakes in such a strategically important region," said the Bulgarian Prime Minister.
"We are expecting the summit meeting in Zagreb this May with the hope that it will give new stimulus to the enlargement process," Prime Minister Borissov added. He put an emphasis on the synergy between the priorities of the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU and those of Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia as co-chairs of the Berlin Process with regard to the connectivity of the Western Balkans in all their aspects - education, new technologies and various forms of regional cooperation. Prime Minister Borissov also said that maintaining the focus of European integration of the Western Balkan countries remains one of the main priorities of Bulgarian foreign policy.
Prime Minister Boyko Borissov pointed out that the development of good-neighbourly relations and comprehensive regional cooperation plays a vital role for the sustainable development throughout the whole region. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of transport and digital connectivity and cooperation in the energy sector. "Improving connectivity throughout Southeast Europe is of the utmost importance for stimulating the economic growth and cohesion of our countries," the Prime Minister said.
