M. Varvitsiotis: The future of Europe is closely linked to the integration of the West. Balkans in the EU

“The future of Europe is closely linked to the accession of the Western Balkans to the EU,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Miltiadis Barvitsiotis at the EU-Serbia Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels today, which welcomed the Balkan country to the General Conference. EU Affairs.

In particular, Mr. Varvitsiotis underlined that Greece has always been an ardent supporter of the European perspective of the Western Balkans with intense action and initiative from the Thessaloniki Summit in 2003 until today, recalling that Serbia had participated together with other countries in the Special Event. the Future of Europe, which took place on September 15 in Thessaloniki, at the invitation of the Deputy Minister.

In his speech, Mr. Varvitsiotis noted that the accession of the Western Balkans to the EU is important from a political, economic, but also from a security point of view for the Union and is not just another enlargement but much more a geopolitical strategic choice that strengthens the role as a major regional and global player. As for Serbia in particular, he said it is a key EU country in the region and has made tangible progress, accelerating reforms with a focus on the rule of law. Efforts currently recognized by the EU with the opening of Chapter 4 of the accession negotiations.

The Deputy Foreign Minister stressed that at a time when the countries of the Western Balkans are losing momentum in implementing EU-oriented reforms, there is a need to strengthen the Union’s credibility in the region and to send a message to Serbian citizens that the future we have in common.

Prior to the start of the Conference, Mr. Varvitsiotis had a brief meeting with the Prime Minister of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, in which he reaffirmed Greece’s firm support for Serbia’s accession to the European family.