Coast: Our region deserves a re-energized expansion process through tangible benefits

2023-06-05 18:52:00, Aktualitet CNA

Coast: Our region deserves a re-energized expansion process through tangible

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) appreciated the efforts of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) in promoting regional cooperation and the integration of the economies of the Western Balkans in the European Union (EU), focusing in a number of specific achievements in the last twelve months: the EU-BP roaming reduction agreement coordinated by the RCC as well as the three mobility agreements signed at the Berlin Process Summit last year.

SEECP Ministers, gathered today at the SEECP Foreign Affairs Ministerial Meeting in Budva, Montenegro, also approved the RCC Annual Report presented by the organization's Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu.

" Europe will undoubtedly be stronger with an integrated Western Balkans. The final realization of the European dream of our region requires a strategic vision and hard work. The European Union must continue to show strong political will and commitment to the enlargement process. Whereas the Western Balkans should focus on "when" and "how" rather than on the "if" questions about our EU membership, said the General Secretary of the RCC, Majlinda Bregu, in today's speech at the ministerial meeting.

Coast: Our region deserves a re-energized expansion process through tangible

During the day, the Ministers of European Affairs of the SEECP reiterated the ongoing assessment of the work done by the RCC and its General Secretary, for the success of the re-dimensioning of regional cooperation and the undertaking of concrete initiatives.

" Now we are eager to translate official declarations and agreements into bold and concrete actions as soon as possible, because only in this way can we keep alive the confidence of our EU membership, based and inspired by Schuman's direct vision: Integration comes through achievements concrete! Whatever the concept, our citizens and the region deserve an expansion process through tangible benefits from the citizens, before we reach full membership with the EU" - said Bregu, adding that this is the course that the RCC has followed strongly defended, along the entire agenda.

Coast: Our region deserves a re-energized expansion process through tangible

"The Common Regional Market aims at a closer connection of our region with the EU single market. We already have a regional model based on EU rules, a momentum and awareness raised for regional cooperation - key ingredients that make us, at RCC, optimistic about the future and new successes of regional cooperation. Moreover, our common SEE2030 Strategy remains a key plan and framework in our joint efforts for sustainable growth across South-Eastern Europe" , concluded Bregu.

The meetings, which included ministers and high-level representatives of South-East Europe, were chaired by Dritan Abazovic, Prime Minister of Montenegro, the current SEECP Presidency (CiO). took place under the umbrella of the Montenegrin SEECP Presidency-in-Office (CiO) that runs from 1 July 2022. The SEECP Leaders Summit to be held on 27 June is expected to approve the RCC Annual Report. At the Summit, North Macedonia takes over the SEECP presidency from Montenegro for the next year./ CNA.al