Skopje, 30 September 2021 (MIA) - The enlargement of the European Union has always evoked strong opinions and emotions, sense of extreme optimism and extreme pessimism. What I believe is really needed for the success of our enlargement policy is true dedication. The path into the EU however is long and complicated and full of challenges. But for me there is no doubt – the future of the Western Balkans is the European Union and our partners are committed to this goal, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi said on Thursday at the 8th Western Balkans Civil Society Forum. He underlined that citizens in the Western Balkans strongly support the region’s full EU integration. The Commissioner also reiterated that EU’s approach has politically, technically and financially supported the policy choice of candidates on their path to accession for 30 years. “Between now and the end of the year, we have significant opportunities to build on our work and to give fresh momentum. The EU-Western Balkan’s Summit will next week reaffirm our commitment to the region. When it comes to Albania and North Macedonia, I can simply echo the words of President von der Leyen: We want to see the Council agree on the negotiating frameworks that will allow the Slovenian Presidency to call the first inter-governmental conferences,” Várhelyi stressed. He added that after Afghanistan everyone is reflecting on the geopolitical choices that are being made. “By this I mean Europe as such. And of course, first is our neighborhood, the neighborhood with whom we’re sharing the continent is the Western Balkans. It is quintessential for Europe now to deliver on its most important geopolitical choice, which is to integrate fully the Western Balkans into the European Union. This is why I think there’s growing attention to this choice of ours, to this priority of ours, therefore I’m very hopeful that next week we’ll hear clear messages from the leaders of Europe pointing very clearly to that direction,” Várhelyi concluded. Gašper Dovžan, State Secretary at the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underlined that the only logical step for the European Union is the process of enlargement. “Of course, the Western Balkans is a part of our priorities and we believe that the sustainable development, stability prosperity of this region is a strategic interest of the European Union. The region is definitely a part of Europe, surrounded by member states, so we have no other option than to continue to enhance mutual cooperation, but also to support regional cooperation which is important as well,” Dovžan said. He added that enlargement in 2004 brought stability and progress. “We believe that enlargement is far from being a technical issue. It’s a premium geostrategic question and this is why it needs ambition and political will from both sides in order to efficiently move forward to our common goal. The process is not complete yet. This is why we really support the partners from the Western Balkans in implementing the necessary reforms, which are very important in order to come closer to the enlargement process,” Dovžan noted.