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The MEP expects the forum for the Western Balkans to become regular and achieve positive results in the future
MRF/Renew Europe MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk hosted the SOFIA FORUM FOR THE WESTERN BALKANS. The event took place in a hybrid format in Sofia, in strict compliance with anti-epidemic measures. The forum was held under the motto: “Time to restore trust” and its purpose was to discuss key issues for the Western Balkans and to put an emphasis on the negotiation process for the region’s accession to the EU. The event is organized in partnership with the Liberal Integration Foundation and the European Liberal Forum.
“Bulgaria’s presidency of the EU in 2018 made the integration of the Western Balkans an important priority, and I think it’s time to think more seriously about how to restore trust. Between Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia, the conversation should be friendly. After 15 years of our country’s membership in the EU, I strongly believe that Bulgaria can prove itself as a regional leader and, with its unique ethnic model and experience, serve as an example for the countries of the Western Balkans, because Bulgaria’s strategic interest is the Republic of North Macedonia to be part of the EU family of civilization. The priority of us liberals is for the countries of the Western Balkans to become part of the Union, “said Kyuchyuk at the beginning.
The MEP stressed that the historical conversation is important, but the one about the future should be a priority. According to him, before the EU is a geopolitical player, it must be a political player. The Western Balkans must participate actively in the debate, as an equal, in the decision-making process. Kyuchyuk categorically stated that he expects the results of the forum to be in a positive direction for all interested parties and that it will become regular.
The event was also attended by the Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, who said in an online statement: “We are all part of one continent with a common future!” According to him, there is real commitment in the region to European integration. An economic and investment plan for the Western Balkans has been created – up to EUR 30 billion of investments will be mobilized in the coming years. According to the European Commissioner, the desire of the EC is to speed up the negotiations, to take into account the reforms and the progress of the parties, so that they can officially start the negotiations.
Daniel Kaddik, executive director of the European Liberal Forum, Solomon Passy, president of the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria, Prof. Vlado Buckovski, special envoy of the Republic of North Macedonia for Bulgaria and experts in various fields of foreign policy took part in the forum.
Тази публикация е достъпна и на следните езици: Bulgarian
