Skopje, 9 December 2021 (MIA) – If the European Union aspires to be a global force, then it first must become a local one, i.e. exercise its influence in the Western Balkans, a region that is its integral part in every sense, not only geographical, said Deputy PM for European Affairs Nikola Dimitrov in his remarks at the annual meeting of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) in Berlin on Thursday. Deputy PM Dimitrov said the Union must exercise its largest influence in the region, considering the strong ties from the aspect of trade and financial assistance, but also the political Thessaloniki promise dating back from 2003 over its European perspectives, the Secretariat for European Affairs said in a press release. He said the region was not in good shape and the European promise has been shaken, adding that the EU should ask itself if its ambition to make a difference as a global player is credible without acting locally in the area. The ECFR brings together the highest decision-makers on the continent, eminent intellectuals, NGO and think-tank representatives, focusing on a coordinated and effective European foreign policy in response to contemporary challenges, reads the press release.