Skopje, 4 October 2021 (MIA) — The European Union’s support for enlargement is expected to be mentioned in the final declaration of the upcoming EU–Western Balkans Summit in Brdo, Slovenia, on Oct. 6, which will also say the bloc reaffirms its support for the Western Balkans and has the capacity to admit new members, according to diplomatic sources in Brussels. Regarding the issue between Skopje and Sofia, the diplomatic sources are saying negotiations between the two countries continue with the EU's support in finding ways for both countries to resolve the bilateral issue so North Macedonia’s first intergovernmental conference may be held. They add the Brdo summit would be a good opportunity for the two countries’ leaders to meet and discuss the issue. The sources also say Charles Michel, the EU Council’s president, has repeatedly mentioned he supports the start of membership talks with North Macedonia and Albania and looks forward to Skopje and Sofia's building bridges between the two countries and finding a solution for the dispute. The elections in Bulgaria at the moment have complicated the situation, the diplomats add. The same sources say the summit in Slovenia is an opportunity to reaffirm the region’s European future and highlight that the EU is the largest donor, investor and trade partner in the Western Balkans. Enlargement, however, is a complex process, they say, pointing out that the merit system is as important as reforms, especially in the fight against corruption and crime, and the rule of law. The diplomats agree the enlargement process is one of the EU's most important policies, at the same time stressing it needs to be based on the candidate country’s merit as well as on consensus among member states. mr/