​Zagreb Summit: The EU and the Western Balkans have the same goal

The leaders of the 27 EU countries, in consultation with the leaders from the six countries of the Western Balkans, approved today the "Zagreb declaration" which contains the results of the virtual summit of the Western Balkans and the EU.

"Referring to the summits held in Zagreb in 2000, Thessaloniki in 2003 and Sofia in 2018, the EU reaffirms its unbiased support for the European perspective of the region," reads the beginning of the statement.

It is further said that the leaders from the Western Balkans have reiterated their commitment to the European perspective as their strategic choice.

"The credibility of this commitment also depends on clearly informing the public and implementing the necessary reforms," ​​the statement said.

The statement calls for unity and solidarity in the crisis caused by the coronavirus, and the EU declares that it remains committed to supporting the region in the fight against the pandemic and its socio-economic consequences.

Part of the "Zagreb Declaration" refers to a package of 3.3 billion euros of support that the EU mobilized to help the region deal with the consequences of the crisis, which includes current support for the health sector, socio-economic recovery, but also a package 750 million euros in macro-financial assistance and 1.7 billion euros in support from the EBRD.

The statement states that the ongoing pandemic "showed how the EU and the Western Balkans work together to solve common challenges", but also appreciates that the EU's support and cooperation with the region "goes far beyond what other partners can provide." ".

At the same time, the EU "recognizes" the value of the support that the Western Balkans gave during the pandemic to their neighbors and to the EU itself.

"The EU and the Western Balkans share the same goal of a peaceful, strong, stable and united Europe, supported by historical, cultural and geographical ties but also by common political, security and economic interests", the statement emphasized.

The EU underlines its determination to intensify engagement in the region in all areas and welcomes the promise of regional partners to adhere to European values ​​and principles and continue the reform process.

"Increased EU support will be linked to tangible progress in the region in the area of ​​rule of law, socio-economic reforms and respect for EU values, laws and standards," the statement said.

The EU also reiterates the importance of the reform process in the region, with a focus on the rule of law, democracy, the fight against corruption and organized crime, respect for human rights, minority rights and gender equality.

The Western Balkans is invited to take further decisive steps in the reconciliation, cooperation and strengthening of good neighborly relations, including with the EU member states.

It calls for further efforts to resolve bilateral issues based on the legacy of the past, and welcomes the election of the EU's special envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and other regional issues.

EU leaders stress that they share a large number of common security challenges with the Western Balkans and work together to fight terrorism and extremism, organized crime and corruption, as well as migration, anti-trafficking, drugs and weapons.

"The EU welcomes the contribution of the Western Balkans to EU missions and operations. The EU hopes to further deepen cooperation in the field of the Common Foreign and Security Policy and reiterates its call for all partners to move towards full alignment with the EU's foreign and security policy, especially in the areas with great common interest", the statement says.

The Zagreb declaration also foreshadows a major economic investment plan for the Western Balkans, which will be presented later this year.

"To further promote our common interests, EU leaders are ready to strengthen political dialogue, including meetings at the highest level," between the EU and the Western Balkans, the statement concluded.