BRUSSLES – The European Council met on Thursday and discussed the current issues among which is the Western Balkans. They concluded that the region is fragile, that they will keep it under review and said that the EU should continue supporting reforms and integration path of the region.
“In light of the internal and external challenges that the region is facing, the European Council discussed the fragile situation in the Western Balkans, which it will keep under review,” said Donald Tusk President of the European Council.
He said that the European Council stresses the importance of continuing on the reform path, good neighbourly relations and inclusive regional cooperation initiatives.
“It reaffirmed its unequivocal support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans. Welcoming the progress made by the countries of the region, the European Council stresses that the EU remains committed and engaged at all levels to support them in conducting EU-oriented reforms and projects,” concluded Tusk.
HRVP Federica Mogherini said upon arrival at the European Council that they have Western Balkans as a point on the agenda.
“We have this point on the agenda. I was visiting the entire region exactly one week ago. We have discussed this with the Foreign Ministers on Monday and I would expect that the European Council will today send a very strong message of engagement, commitment, openness and credibility of the pattern that will lead the region towards the European Union integration,” said Mogherini.