VIENNA – The window of opportunity that is opening up in the Western Balkans’ EU approximation must not be missed, but the progress regarding the EU integration of the countries of the region must proceed based on strict rules, says Bulgarian FM Ekaterina Zaharieva .
Sofia sees itself as an advocate of a safe EU that is looking to the future, and the European perspective of the six countries guarantees stability in the region and entire Europe, she told the APA news agency.
The Western Balkan countries have made strategic decisions and now it is up to the EU to encourage them to make decisive steps in European integration and support them in the process, said Zaharieva , whose country took over the rotating EU presidency on January 1.