Athens, 13 April 2024 (MIA) - The EU needs to produce a direct offer, a signal that it is serious about enlargement with countries from the region this time, said former deputy PM and foreign minister Nikola Dimitrov during a panel at the Delphi Economic Forum, MIA reports from Athens.

Dimitrov said the entire process is like climbing a high mountain, similar to the one where Delphi is located, adding "there is no alternative to European integration".

According to him, the European Union and candidate-states should do their part of the job.

"I believe it will be wise to complete the European project with the countries from the region, along with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. If we cannot do this, Europe's global voice will be weaker," noted Dimitrov.

Dimitrov also referred to the regional countries that are already part of the Union, including Greece and its continued support on the European path, while adding that "our neighbors are the ones who will benefit from the EU integration".

"It would be a tragedy if Europe is there and we are not. We cannot allow this to happen," underlined Dimitrov.

Photo: MIA