an hour agoSummit of Slovenia: European Union promises 30 billion for our states
Periskopi(5 years ago)
(5 years ago)In Brdo, Slovenia, the summit is under way between the leaders of the European Union and leaders of the Western Balkans, where the region's European perspective is discussed. Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama are also present. At the start of the summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leenen said she is in [...] interest.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama are also present.
At the start of the summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leenen said she is in the European Union's interest to expand the union and today will voice the importance of the Western Balkans to the bloc. Von der Leyen underlined that 30 billion euros (34.7 billion dollars) will be invested in the Balkans over the next seven years to support recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and accelerate transition to renewable energy.
This is an important summit with the Western Balkans. We want to send an important message; the region is part of the union, and we want it to be part of the union. We want the European family, we share the same values and I am convinced that we share the same destiny. The 6 Western Balkan countries have come a long way, undertaken many reforms and still have a lot to work on reform in justice, judiciary, media freedom, but we need to recognise the progress they have made. They're our main partners. I think the European Union benefits from the enlargement process, and this is the most important”, Von der Leyeen said.
Holland's Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, said before the summit's launch that he is not happy with the position Bulgaria is taking towards northern Macedonia, a decision that is hampering the launch of talks on Albania.
“We have to wait for elections in Bulgaria, but I am not at all satisfied with the fact that the launch of membership talks with northern Macedonia is still blocked. I think they need to be unblocked as soon as possible. We know this will happen, with much hope, after elections in Bulgaria. We're going to try to do everything we can to accomplish this”, Rutte said.
Austrian Chancellor Kurz said that if the European Union does not offer a serious perspective to this region, then they should be aware that other superpowers like China, Russia or Turkey will play an increasingly strong role in the Balkans.
The most skeptical is the appearance of Elise's boss. Before the EU leaders' dinner, French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters that the 27-nation bloc must do more to manage crises on its borders and be responsible for its security.
At the end of the meeting, EU leaders are expected to adopt a declaration signing even Western Balkan leaders.
