The more young people recognize themselves in the social democratic idea, the closer we will be to the European Union, said the Secretary General of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) Aleksandar Bogdanović.
In Pristina, he participated in a conference on the topic: "Integration of the Western Balkans into the EU and the perspective of young people".
At the panel in which, in addition to Bogdanović, the Prime Minister of Kosovo Aljbin Kurti and the Vice-President of the Party of European Socialists and the former Minister of Defense of North Macedonia Radmila Šekerinska participated, views were exchanged on the challenges faced by the countries of the region and ways to overcome them, the role of young people in that process, as well as models of cooperation of social democratic parties from the Western Balkans with the aim of dynamizing reforms and accelerating integration processes, announced the DPS.
Bogdanović informed the attendees about the achievements of Montenegro in the integration processes and particularly emphasized the membership in NATO, which "helped the Montenegrin society not only when it comes to economic growth, but also in the adoption of European standards in numerous social areas".
He particularly pointed out the opportunities that the integration process offers to young generations, such as access to wider educational and professional institutions, cultural exchange and the chance to be part of a larger, stable community.
Nevertheless, Bogdanović said that since 2020, Montenegro is faced with turbulent political processes and crises that hinder its process of European integration, which "arise from the influence of third parties, especially Russia, whose long-term strategy is the destabilization of Europe."
"Today, in Montenegro, the influence of those structures which, due to personal political interests and animosity towards Montenegrin state assets, are hindering the development of Montenegro, is still being felt," said Bogdanović.
He adds that in this context, stronger alliance and partnership, as well as the joint efforts of all EU members and the countries of the region, are of key importance for the European future of the Balkans, politically and economically.
Bogdanović assessed the role of social democratic ideas promoted by DPS as particularly significant.
"In a time of significant changes on the global political, economic and security level, international topics know less and less borders, so it is necessary for every modern party to have a full understanding and a clearly defined policy in relation to events in the world, and to define in relation to current trends its programs, including young people in those processes. The more young people recognize themselves in the social democratic idea, the closer we will be to the European Union", concluded Bogdanović.
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