site.btaVice President Iotova: Bulgarian Communities in Western Balkans Are Key Factor in Process of Countries' EU Accession

Sofia, June 12 (BTA) - Speaking at an international conference about the Bulgarian communities in the Western Balkans being a key factor in the process of the countries' EU accession, Vice President Iliana Iotova noted the importance of Bulgaria's keeping its leading role in the process of the European integration of the countries in the Western Balkans even after the end of the Bulgarian EU Presidency.

Iotova voiced regret that that Bulgarian communities abroad were not made part of the programme of the Bulgarian six-month EU Presidency which ends in June and that their big potential was not taken advantage of.

According to Iotova, a comprehensive policy for expatriate Bulgarians is missing.

Deputy Prime Minister Valeri Simeonov said that Bulgaria succeeded in returning the Western Balkans on the European agenda. According to Simeonov, the Bulgarian EU Presidency can be described as successful.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that the Bulgarians and the Bulgarian expatriate communities have been and continue to be a key factor in safeguarding and developing the good neighbourly relations among the countries of the Western Balkans. Simeonov said that the Bulgarian communities have also been a key factor in accelerating the integration process of the countries in the Western Balkans as they stand to gain directly from the regional stability and security, from the lifting of the administrative barriers at the borders.