Statement issued by 6 regional leaders approved in Skopje today

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has unveiled the joint declaration of Western Balkan leaders during the work of the EU Summit in Skopje. The declaration contains 11 points and focuses mainly on deepening co-operation among the countries of the region and the integration of states into the EU.

The growth plan, the participating states in Sam, see as the chance to promote socio-economic development.

“S together, like the region, we will focus our efforts on promoting the regional economy, integration through the Common Regional Market based on EU rules and standards, while at the same time advancing regional market opening to the EU's single market”, it says at one of the points of the declaration.

The Western Balkans have agreed to aim at improving the economic integration of the Western Balkans with the EU and within the region.

The main goal is bringing the region into the EU.

Full statement:

1. Recognizing the complex geopolitical landscape characterized by Russia's aggression against Ukraine and continuing crises in the Middle East, we Western leaders underline the main importance of co-operation within the region and integration into the European Union and the commitment to advancing four freedoms of movement (capital, goods, services, people) for all of our citizens.

2. Acknowledging the importance of the conclusions of the Berlin Process Summit in Tirana on 16 October 2023, and the EU-Western Balkans Summit Declaration in Brussels on 13 December 2023,

3. Noting that the new Western Balkans Growth Plan represents a new opportunity for promotion, the economic and social convergence of our region with the European Union as a means to advance the membership process.

4. Dedicated to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Development Plan and to meet our citizens' expectations for a more prosperous and sustainable future within the European Union.

5. Ready to implement this comprehensive plan, anchored in phased EU integration. Enhanced regional economic integration, accelerated fundamental reforms, the primat of democracy, fundamental rights and values and the rule of law, including those that fight corruption and curb political interference in independent institutions that should serve all citizens equally, and increase financial assistance through the Reformation and the ease of growth, which holds the potential to inject the much needed dynamism in the enlargement process, enabling us to overcome obstacles that hinder our progress.

6. We see the Development Plan as a chance to promote and implement fundamental reforms towards closing the convergence gap with the EU that will foster development, including socio-economic, reforms and reforms on bases, at a key moment in the enlargement process. In that spirit, we have begun our preparations for implementing the Development Plan, including the development of strategic reform agendas running actions and investments over the next four years.

7. These reform agendas are based on individual efforts within the economy and Programmative Reform, which we engage to continue to advance and support. The plan for growth. The financial instrument, on the other hand, will complement existing support from the Instrument for Pre-membership Assistance and provide an additional boost to the economy and implement the investment plan and reform priorities identified on the road to membership.

8. Together, like the region, we will focus our efforts on promoting the regional economy, integration through the Joint Regional Market based on EU rules and standards, while at the same time advancing the opening of the regional market to the EU's single market. The region is willing to take additional decisive actions to finalise the transformation of the region. The joint regional market in reality. He praises the EU's support in the process and is dedicated to preparing for an ambitious successor of the current Action Plan, stressing the importance of co-operation with the Regional Co-operation Council, CEFTA, and the Energy Community and Transport Community, as well as with the WB6, the Chamber Investment Forum under way.

9. Recognizing the need for collective contributions to develop an ambitious CRM plan, our co-operative efforts aim not only to strengthen integration within our region but also to pave the way and to be a step for a broader integration with the Unic Market. This will consist of accelerating our joint efforts in facilitating regional trade, reducing the negative impact of non-tariff measures, opening the service sector and facilitating workers' movement. This visionary approach will create a favourable environment for enhanced economic co-operation and prosperity across the borders, underlining our firm commitment to regional unity and progress.

10. Acknowledging that the EU is open to review proposals from the Growth Plan aimed at improving the economic integration of the Western Balkans with the EU and within the region, we will strengthen our efforts to approach EU common market regulations. This includes the opening and relevant sectors for all neighbours, adhering to the principles of the Common Regional Market and values, standards and fundamental EU rules and maintaining the integrity of the EU, the market and an equal playing field.

11. Recognising the common efforts of the Western Balkans and the EU to bring the region into the EU, we strongly believe that the ease of reform and growth will be tangible to advance the membership process for all our citizens and contribute to narrowing the region's social and economic gap, while simultaneously creating leverage for the implementation of market-oriented reforms and growth generation.