prijava
SARAJEVO / ROTTERDAM, May 31 (FENA) - President of the Party of Democratic Action Bakir Izetbegović is attending the 27th Congress of the European People's Party (EPP) in Rotterdam, where an event dedicated to the region entitled "Balkan Coffee: The Russian War and its Consequences on the Western Balkans" was held.
During the discussion, Izetbegović reminded that there was a consensus in Bosnia and Herzegovina 15 years ago regarding joining NATO and the European Union, but that there was not enough will on the other side, which, as he pointed out, could enable accelerated access to these associations, as Bosnia and Herzegovina deserved.
“The EU's response was not good. We need new enthusiasm and support. The Balkans are a mixture of emotions, religions, peoples that can mean a wealth of diversity, but it can also be a problem if there is no EU support. The Union must not leave a vacuum in the Balkans because it will be filled by other, destabilizing forces. And that is exactly what is happening,” said Izetbegović.
Speaking about Russia's role in the region, Izetbegović pointed to the latest threatening statements by the Russian ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“We need a clear message that all the countries of the Western Balkans will become members of the Union. Bosnia and Herzegovina needs candidate status. The EU Council will decide on these issues next month and I call on them to support us in our efforts,” said Izetbegović.
Introductory remarks were made by the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council Majlinda Bregu and Head of the Western Balkans Task Force in the Strategic Communication Division of the European External Action Service Jasna Jelisić, who focused on the European perspective of the Western Balkans, Russia's influence on the enlargement process, and addressing security issues, stabilizing political opportunities, regional co-operation and combating misinformation.
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