site.btaRadev, Borissov Hail EU Western Balkans Strategy

Sofia, February 6 (BTA) - Following the adoption of a strategy for "A credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans" by the European Commission on Tuesday, President Rumen Radev expressed support and said this timely document highlighted the EU's strategic goal - the region's accession.

Radev's press secretariat quoted him as saying: "It is commendable that the Strategy is practically oriented and sets specific parameters of reinforced cooperation with the Western Balkan countries". The document recognizes the need to build good neighbourly relations and validates a merit-based approach which takes into account the reform track record of each individual country, said Radev.

The six flagship initiatives announced by the Commission are of key importance for the Strategy's success as they address the region's most serious problems, above all the rule of law, socio-economic development, security and migration, and especially reconciliation and good neighbourly relations.

Radev noted the Strategy's individual approach to the countries. Thus the Western Balkans take an unprecedented place in a fundamental document of the EU which defines future priorities and actions. The document marks an important stage in the fulfilment of the goal - EU membership for the whole Balkan region as part of the united European family, Radev said.

Also on Tuesday, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said: "I hail the Strategy which firmly states Europe's desire to develop as a continent of stability, security and prosperity."

The six countries and their peoples are given a European perspective and a clear signal that those that have met the criteria could become members in 2025, said Borissov, quoted by the government information service.

"The Bulgarian government will support the Western Balkan countries during their preparation for membership. We expect that all of us will discuss in Sofia in May how to continue in the right direction together and most effectively," said Borissov.

The Strategy adopted by the European Commission confirms "the European future of the region as a geostrategic investment in a stable, strong and united Europe based on common values". The Commission said the document "spells out the priorities and areas of joint reinforced cooperation, addressing the specific challenges the Western Balkans face, in particular the need for fundamental reforms and good neighbourly relations. A credible enlargement perspective requires sustained efforts and irreversible reforms."

The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry welcomed the Strategy for the Western Balkans, stating: "A number of our ideas have found a place in the document. It acknowledges the region's strategic importance to Europe. This was the drive behind our efforts to put the region back on the EU agenda, which happened for the first time in 15 years. Since the Thessaloniki Summit in 2003, Bulgaria is bringing together all leaders of Europe and the region for the first time this coming May so that we can set out faster towards our common goal." 

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