The countries of the Western Balkans have chosen the European path of development, but like the EU countries, they will have to demonstrate resilience and the ability to make difficult decisions, as the Kremlin authorities continue to sow discord in this region, stirring up old wounds and disrupting the process of regional integration.
This statement was made today by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during her speech at the opening of the Bled Security Forum in Slovenia. She was re-elected to this position for the next 5 years in the new composition of this key European institution.
“Historically, this region has often been a frontier between worlds – between East and West, between North and South. But a new generation has chosen a different path – to become part of the common European family. They have chosen travel, trade, and prosperity together with their European neighbors. The current Russian leadership, which lives in the past, refuses to accept this simple reality. The Kremlin is trying to stir up old conflicts, to sow discord – within the Western Balkans, as well as between the Western Balkans and the rest of Europe,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
She noted that this year's Bled Security Forum is titled “The World in Parallel Realities,” which is a concentrated assessment of the new situation in which Europe and the entire world live.
“Here, on our continent, one of the main fault lines has opened up. Russia has decided to burn bridges with its European neighbors and invaded a peaceful country. Putin and his supporters have shown that they do not believe in a global order based on rules. They believe they can do whatever they want within so-called spheres of influence,” the President of the European Commission said.
Despite these unfriendly efforts, according to her, the countries of the Western Balkans are choosing the European path, implementing key reforms, and moving towards further integration. The European Union has always supported such efforts. At the same time, the President of the European Commission noted that it is vital for the countries in the region to continue adhering to fundamental European values.
“Our political will for even faster integration of this region goes hand in hand with the firm belief that the European Union is a community of democracies. Any compromises with our democratic principles could be fatal to achieving our goals. Both the EU member states and the countries in the Western Balkans region will face tough choices. Bilateral disputes must be resolved. EU integration will depend on governments that will have to make tough and sometimes unpopular decisions,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
She also noted that postponing such tough decisions could only lead to wrong ones. But the ability to make such decisions now means the ability of Balkan governments to lead their people, to determine the future of their countries and the fate of their peoples.
“This is the essence of Europe. This is the spirit we must have to overcome the challenges of a world that is undergoing fragmentation,” added Ursula von der Leyen.
