The countries of the Western Balkans, which wish to join the EU, have the support of Slovenia in their bid to join the bloc, Slovenian leaders, Nataša Pirc Musar, Robert Golob and Tanja Fajon write. Nataša Pirc Musar is the president of the Republic of Slovenia. Robert Golob is the Prime Minister and Tanja Fajon is the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.
On June 21, it was the 20th anniversary of the EU-Western Balkans Summit that was organized in Thessaloniki, Greece. In this historic event, the European Union and the member and candidate countries from the Western Balkans gathered to discuss future perspectives. The EU pledged for the European future of the Western Balkans, while the countries of the region pledged for the common values of democracy, the rule of law, respect for human and minority rights, solidarity and the market economy. The conclusions reached at the Summit remain a lasting commitment for all of us in the EU and for the Western Balkans.
Slovenia greatly appreciates the Summit, as it gave new hope for the stability of the region, after several years of wars, political instability and economic stagnation, following the breakup of Yugoslavia. He gave life to a new dream for a European future, which will bring positive changes: increased development, improved connections and contacts between people. In the last twenty years, much has been achieved through cooperation. The Western Balkans has increased the level of sustainability. The countries of the region today enjoy a visa-free system, and the region has recorded sustainable economic advantages.

The EU, by far, is the largest donor and investor in the region. Slovenia has been a strong supporter of the enlargement of the European Union, helping its partners in the Western Balkans, giving its political support for the processes related to enlargement. 

However, many opportunities have been missed by both sides. It seems that the initial enthusiasm for reforms in the Western Balkans has partially evaporated over the last two decades and as a result, the light at the end of the tunnel for EU membership seems to be further away than we had hoped.
However, the EU has its own challenges and enlargement has not always been a priority. The European Union is now forced to deal with the consequences of the war in Ukraine, which has prompted us to rethink our approach to the EU enlargement process. We believe that the expansion process is essentially a strategic choice, not just a technical exercise. However, further enlargement must follow the fundamental vision of the European integration process, which relies on the solidarity and progress of the candidate countries. Bold political decisions are needed.

“Our messages for the region, Europe and the world are clear. First, we emphasize that the EU is a very good choice for the region, but it is up to the countries of the Western Balkans to decide on their future. Second, Slovenia has no selfish interests in the region. Our policy is guided by solidarity with the countries and people of the Western Balkans. Slovenia wants what the people want: stability and security, as a prerequisite for economic development and progress. The countries of the Western Balkans that wish to join the EU have and will have the support of Slovenia” Monitor’s analysis reads.

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