Kos: Europe cannot be safe without the Western Balkans

Europe cannot be safe without the Western Balkans (WB), said European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, stating that the countries of the region belong in the European Union (EU), as full members.

Kos said today in Tirana, at a meeting with the leaders of the Western Balkans dedicated to the Growth Plan, that security is one of the most important topics today.

"And Europe cannot be safe without the West," Kos pointed out.

As she stated, this is a mistake from the past that the EU must correct.

"Europe is waiting for you, you are already part of Europe, but now it should be institutionally realized through EU membership," said Kos.

Speaking about the implementation of the Growth Plan for Western Balkans so far and plans for the coming period, she said that there are many reasons to celebrate.

"But at the same time, we have to be honest and say that two out of six countries have not yet started adopting reforms," ​​Kos said.

As she stated, the two countries that are implementing reforms the best have achieved around 50 percent.

According to Kos, these examples best illustrate the clear link between progress in the accession process and reforms.

She said that the European Commission wants the Growth Plan to succeed, stating that it is important to integrate the EU's neighbors as much as possible into various areas and policies of the Union, into parts of the single market, into the energy market, but also into the part related to European values.

"We want the EU to become a reality for your citizens," Kos said, adding that she wants it to bring prosperity, security and stability to the entire European continent at a time when there are external opponents who would like to see it fail.

She said that the EU wants all West Balkan countries to progress and that none lag behind, adding that all countries in the region have a place in the EU as equal members.

"And I emphasize members with full rights, because this is a recommendation for full alignment with EU laws and values," Kos pointed out.

She said that it is necessary to focus on the second half of the implementation of the Growth Plan, stating that this is important for citizens of all countries.

Kos said that it is important to work on projects to improve transportation, infrastructure, digital innovation, consumer protection and tourism.

"We have faced a lack of progress in regional economic integration. This results in lower economic growth," Kos said, noting that a fully common regional market would increase economies by about ten percent.

She said that she knows that reforms are not always easy, but that they enable the acceleration of EU accession.

Kos said that the West Bank countries should prepare their economies for the single market.

"They give you access to member state treatment in some EU policies. Show member states that you are ready for greater and deeper integration into the EU," Kos said.