Although the EU summit at the end of June produced nothing on the opening of negotiations on Albania and North Macedonia, EU foreign policy representative Joseph Borrell said that the progress being made on reforms will lead to closer integration of the region with the European family.

Borrell said that the gradual introduction to the EU market will bring economic development for the citizens, while the closer connection with partners will be made through the invitations of the countries of the region to the Council for Foreign Affairs and the opening of other advisory bodies.

“We are committed to improving the Western Balkans membership process. The EU will continue its strong political, technical and financial support to the six Western Balkan countries to help them advance key political, institutional, social and economic reforms that are necessary for progress on the EU paths. Progress on reform priorities should lead to closer integration of the Western Balkans with the European Union, work towards accelerated integration and “gradual entry” into individual policies, programs and the EU market. This will bring solid and accelerated economic development and tangible benefits for citizens. There are additional concrete measures that can be taken to engage more closely with our partners, such as inviting foreign ministers to the Foreign Affairs Council and opening up other advisory bodies to our partners so that they can participate as regular guests. As for EU membership, the member countries continue to decide unanimously on the next steps in the process”, said Borrell to the Montenegrin media Vijesti.

He also spoke about the “Open Balkans”, which he considered a good initiative to strengthen the common regional market. Borrell said that the EU will bring investments to the region and that it is up to the countries to use them in the best way by creating the common regional market.

“Leaders’ commitment to regional cooperation is an essential element of the European perspective of the Western Balkans and an integral part of the Stabilization and Association Process. I completely understand the desire to move on. At the same time, a process involving the entire Western Balkans region is essential. In this context, it is important that the region makes progress in creating a common regional market, which is a political commitment made by the six leaders of the region at the summit in Sofia. Through the Economic and Investment Plan, we are bringing significant investment opportunities to the region. Now it is up to the region to put them to good use by realizing its full economic potential and creating a common regional market based on EU rules,” said Borrell.

/Klara Ruci/