Skopje, 17 February 2024 (MIA) - Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani, during the Munich Security Conference, spoke on the panel "The Future of the Western Balkans: Challenges and Opportunities for the EU and the Transatlantic Alliance," emphasizing the importance of EU integration for the region, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"The Western Balkan countries are vulnerable to hybrid influences from third countries that undermine the region's stability, as well as efforts to establish a clear path towards European and Euro-Atlantic integrations. In this regard, support from the US and EU is of crucial importance for overcoming the challenges we face," said Osmani, emphasizing that the future enlargement of the EU with the Western Balkan countries is of significant economic and security interest for both the region and the Union.

In his address, Osmani reaffirmed the commitment to continue reform processes, as well as the implementation of the principle of a gradual merit-based approach.

"The future enlargement of the EU with the Western Balkan countries is of significant economic and security interest for both the region and the Union. The concept of "More integration before membership" is complementary to the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, whereby, in addition to improving democratic processes, the economic and security situation in the countries of the region, it would also contribute to a significant enhancement of resilience and strengthening of the common response to shared challenges," Osmani noted.

On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Osmani held bilateral talks with foreign ministers from several countries.

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs