The Balkans have long been a crossroads of civilizations, a region rich in history and culture, Bulgarian Ambassador to Serbia Petko Doykov said during the cross-border conference as part of BTA's Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills project. The conference took place at the BTA National Press Club in Belgrade on Friday.
He emphasised that this region has contributed immensely to the cultural and historical identity of Europe and that the Balkan peoples are an integral part of the European cultural space. "After the opening of BTA's Press Club in Belgrade, there is an increased activity, a series of events organized by BTA are taking place, so I am glad that we have an information presence," Doykov said, adding that the Bulgarian Embassy will support the news agency's activities.
The relationship between the European Union and the Balkans is not just a matter of politics or geography, but also a matter of shared destiny, of a future built on cooperation, stability and mutual development, Doykov pointed out. He stressed that the EU is founded on the ideals of unity, peace and shared prosperity, but that the Western Balkans still remain outside the European Union family. "Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo are an integral part of Europe. Their inclusion in the EU is not just a matter of politics, but a matter of principles. By supporting their accession, the EU strengthens its core values and affirms its role as a defender of peace and democracy," he emphasized.
Doykov said that for the Western Balkans, the adoption and implementation of these values is not just a requirement for EU accession, but a crucial step towards ensuring long-term peace and prosperity in the Balkans. "The EU supports the region in strengthening their democratic institutions, fighting corruption and promoting reconciliation between communities. Stability in the Balkans is essential for the security of the whole of Europe", he stated, adding that the region has experienced conflicts in the past and despite significant progress, challenges still exist.
Cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans in areas such as counter-terrorism, migration control and organised crime is crucial for the security of both the region and the entire continent, Doykov noted.
The Western Balkans is a growing market with potential, and EU membership would bring economic stability, attract foreign direct investment and improve regional infrastructure, he said. Stronger economic ties mean more jobs, improved living standards and sustainable development, which brings benefits not only to the region but also to the EU, Doykov said. He concluded that the EU would not be complete without the integration of all Balkan countries.
BTA's Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills project aims to raise public awareness and foster open dialogue about cohesion policy, local achievements, and the implementation of the EU's policy priorities. The project kicked off with a conference in Veliki Preslav in November 2024. Until September 2025, BTA will host discussions at its press clubs in the following cities: Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Kazanlak, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Razgrad, Ruse, Samokov, Svishtov, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Stara Zagora, Troyan, Targovishte, Haskovo, Shumen, and Yambol. Cross-border conferences will be held in Belgrade, Bosilegrad, Bucharest, Edirne, Skopje, and Thessaloniki. The project builds on the Europe in the Balkans: A Common Future and Europe in Bulgaria: A Common Future projects, implemented by BTA in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
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