In the capital of Northern Macedonia, a meeting of the leaders of the European Union and the countries of the Western Balkans began. The summit takes place in one of the hotels of Skopier with the participation of high -ranking representatives of the European Union and the Balkan states.
The event is attended by the European Commissioner for the expansion of Marta Kosh, Prime Minister of North Macedonia Christian Mitsokoski, Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Vice-Prime Minister of Montenegrin Filiria, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Grian Krishto and Minister of European Integration Affairs of Serbia Neman Starovich.
“Our power is in strengthening relations with neighbors and the European Union, in the opening of new markets, workplaces, strengthening friendship, eliminating trading barriers, developing infrastructure and attracting investments. This is the way to unity and stability,” Mitskoski said, opening the meeting.
He noted that Northern Macedonia became the first country of the Western Balkans to conclude a preliminary agreement on the implementation of the growth plan, which, according to him, is the recognition of the country’s supremacy and economic modernization.
MITSKOSKI emphasized that the countries of the region have a common future: “Only together, like neighbors and partners, we will be able to build a strong, bound, prosperous and European region.”
“For the first time in the history of Europe, if we manage to properly manage the expansion process, we will be able to unite Europe”
March Kosh in her speech reminded the help of the EU after a fire in a nightclub in the Macedonian city of Kochani, when the EU civil defense mechanism was quickly activated, and the victims were taken to European clinics.
“For the first time in the history of Europe, if you properly manage the expansion process, you can achieve its complete unification. Without Western Balkans, this is impossible,” she said.
Kosh congratulated Albania on the opening of three new negotiation chapters over the past six months and thanked Prime Minister Eddie Ram for his contribution. She added that on Friday one of the chapters of the negotiation process with Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the agenda of reforms was closed, was approved by the formation of a new government, and with Serbia EU is counting on a quick promotion.
After the plenary meeting, the traditional photographing of the participants will be held, and then the joint press conference of the Prime Minister of Northern Macedonia Mitskoski and Commissioner Marta Kosh.
The second part of the summit will be devoted to specific mechanisms for supporting and implementing a growth plan for Western Balkans.