Skopje, 11 September 2023 (MIA) – The Brdo-Brijuni Process is the only mechanism for cooperation in the region at the level of heads of state, and it is especially important because stability and prosperity in the region are interdependent. That is why it is more than necessary to talk openly about the most difficult issues, to look for sustainable solutions and to close open issues, President Stevo Pendarovski and co-hosts Slovenian and Croatian counterparts, Nataša Pirc Musar and Zoran Milanović, told a joint press conference after the leaders' meeting within the Brdo-Brijuni Process in Skopje on Monday.

 

The meeting has taken place in a constructive atmosphere, and participants have reaffirmed the importance of the regional cooperation based on honest and open dialogue. As a result, the Skopje Declaration is adopted, which contains the joint findings and commitments of all nine Presidents regarding the topics that were the subject of Monday’s discussion.

 

Croatia's President Zoran Milanović said it was an encouraging sign that the atmosphere at today's meeting was better than at the previous two meetings.

 

"We discussed topics that connect us and have such potential, not topics that have not yet been resolved because experience has shown that it is counterproductive and even harmful," said Milanović.

 

 

According to Milanović, this is the only process that is regionally owned, and there are no mentors, commissions and other EU members involved.

 

"We've had promoters and mentors as guests several times in the previous years. I looked at that from another position at the time, and I didn't like it too much. In a political sense, we are all adults as states and political nations. We are talking in this format and I think it should continue like that," Milanović said.

 

Slovenia's President Nataša Pirc Musar pointed out that talks were constructive, and mainly focused on the European Union and the young people. 

 

"Slovenia supports all Western Balkan countries in the accession process and is always ready to help with its own experience," Pirc Musar said. 

 

Pirc Musar expressed satisfaction that the joint declaration, which also identifies several concrete actions for the first time, has been harmonized. She stressed that the Brdo-Brijuni Process will continue, noting that there are already two candidates to host the next meeting.

 

 

"As the President of Slovenia, I'd like to thank all my colleagues from the Western Balkan countries for the help provided in dealing with the floods. These were the countries that first offered their help and were among the first to arrive in Slovenia," said Pirc Musar. 

 

According to Pirc Musar, after 11 years since the beginning of the process this is the first time that three women sit at the table, and according to what she had seen today, she noted that it is very important to talk to each other.

 

"You mentioned the Berlin Process, and these two processes are primarily different. Brdo-Brijuni is primarily intended for the heads of state, while the Berlin Process is for the executive. But in the end, as presidents, with our rhetoric and our attitude, conversation and calmness, we can do a lot. Slovenia and Croatia are EU members. The two countries can help the Western Balkan countries with their advice. I sincerely wish that this process continues because it is extremely useful," Pirc Musar pointed out. 

 

President Pendarovski noted that the first topic of today’s meeting was the number one priority for the countries of the Western Balkans, namely their European aspirations.

 

"The desire for membership in the European Union, without exception, present in all countries that are part of this forum, is a significant factor that motivates and connects us. In that context, it is clear to all of us that we need to achieve European standards of good governance and a functioning market economy," Pendarovski said. 

 

With joint efforts, Pendarovski stressed, we must ensure that the Western Balkans return fully to the European agenda and stay there.

 

 

"There is no doubt that the future, not only of our region, but also of the world, will be defined by the biggest global challenge, which is climate change. In that sense, we all agree that we must strengthen our efforts in this global race against time, by bringing solutions that will mitigate the negative consequences of climate change, and include social, political and regional solidarity," said Pendarovski.  

 

Pendarovski added that talks also focused on, without hesitation, the biggest challenge for the region – the emigration of young people. 

 

"The common conclusion of all those present was that if we do not stand in the way of this trend and if it is not slowed down with concrete policies, a much worse future awaits us than the one that we can currently anticipate. Our common message is to redouble bilateral and regional efforts to create prospects for young people to stay in the region and realize themselves in their countries," Pendarovski pointed out.

 

The Brdo-Brijuni Process was initiated in 2013 by Slovenian president Borut Pahor and Croatian president Ivo Josipovic. The first meeting was held in Slovenia's Brdo near Kranj.

 

The main goal of the process is the full integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union, as well as the stabilization of the regional situation by strengthening cooperation and resolving open issues.

 

The leaders of the Brdo-Brijuni Process countries meet at least once a year.

 

Photo: MIA