Ekaterina Zaharieva: Citizens of Western Balkans Need Our Support
05 October 2018 News
“The Balkans are in the heart of Europe and are a region with a young, exceptionally well-motivated, and gifted population. These young people, these citizens, deserve our support,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva said at the opening of the Interparliamentary Conference on the role of Parliaments in the Western Balkans’ EU accession process.
The forum in Sofia was attended by European Parliament deputies, representatives of the national parliaments of the Member States and the Western Balkans countries, envoys of regional organisations, and experts on European integration.
“This event confirms the lasting commitment to the region’s future of both the European Parliament and Bulgaria,” Ekaterina Zaharieva said in her address. She went on to add that when our country, as President of the Union, set the European future of our neighbours as a key topic, it had to overcome a number of challenges and to convince all 28 Member States of this issue’s importance for the stability and prosperity of Europe as a whole. “I am glad that today, six months later, the reluctance of certain Member States has been transformed into a clear understanding that without the Western Balkans – when they get ready to become part of the EU – the European project will not be completed,” Minister Zaharieva asserted.
Our top diplomat recalled that it was during the Bulgarian Presidency that the region’s European future was placed very high on the list of priorities of EU foreign policy.
Zaharieva noted that there are challenges in the Balkans that are yet to be overcome. There are open issues between some of the neighbours and there are many reforms that must be completed. “The European perspective is the main incentive and engine for true reconciliation, unity, and reforms in our region. History should not restrict us, it should bring its wisdom, protect us from future mistakes, and serve as our teacher,” Ekaterina Zaharieva explained. She noted that not a single reform will be possible without the support of the political parties, the national parliaments, the European Parliament, and civic society.
Zaharieva thanked the Bulgarian Members of Parliament for their commitment to the topics of the Presidency. “During these six months I could feel the support of all people’s deputies in the Bulgarian Parliament and our priorities truly did become a national cause,” the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister added.
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