Lajcak mentions Kosovo only two seconds at the Diplomatic Forum in Antalya

In the panel where Europe's future was being discussed, the Slovak mentioned Kosovo in only two seconds when he spoke about where the Western Balkan countries stand in relation to the union. He cited the fact that Kosovo still cannot move freely.

That, however, along with the other five Western Balkan states, necessarily views Kosovo as part of Europe.

We didn't leave. America pulled back and went back, but we've always been here, and what I mean is that there's no other alternative for the EU to just invite the region to join the EU and I don't see better alternative for them than to become part of the European family”, he said.

Lajcak acknowledges that Europe has lost its credibility, but says it is working for solutions.

“Viti 2020 was the only year I remember, that none of the six states have increased any progress, but this year we talked to the EU Foreign Minister last month and everyone in the union is saying that we can't go on like this, we're not doing right, and we're losing credibility, and we're fading pro-European enthusiasm in the region and we have to change the way we're trying to find out how”, the EU envoy for Kosovo dialogue said.

The former Romanian Prime Minister Viktor Ponta, who spoke grave words about the European Union, also participated in this panel of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum.

It's a shame, it's a big mistake, let me give you very concrete examples. I was very happy when I visited Belgrade and Tirana, and I'm one of the few people in the world who has friends both Vucinqi and Rama, and I think they are great leaders in the Balkans, and I told them that you have to membership but Europe is always changing the conditions”, he said.

Lajcak confirmed that on 6 October the union member states will gather with the six Western Balkan countries at a joint summit in Slovenia, as this state also takes over the EU chairmanship for the next six months.