The European People's Party today at its congress adopts a resolution in which it unanimously states that the future of the Western Balkans lies in the European Union.
That largest and most influential European party group, which gathers Christian Democratic and liberal conservative parties, should adopt a resolution supporting the European integration path of the Western Balkans tomorrow during its plenary congress in Malta.
In the draft text of the resolution, which Tanjug had access to, it is stated that the perspective of the accession of the Western Balkans and the future of the countries of the region in the EU have the undivided support of the European People's Party.
"The European integration process was the most successful and powerful EU instrument intended for the consolidation of democratic norms and principles, the establishment of a functional market economy and the achievement of peace and stability. We repeat and emphasize the importance of the fact that the EU is a Union of values, norms and principles which the countries of the Western Balkans, which strive to become part of the European family, they must adhere to it," states the beginning of the text of the EPP resolution on the Western Balkans.
In the continuation of the text, the European People's Party calls on EU members and institutions to focus more on the region of the Western Balkans and take concrete steps in order to implement what was agreed in the Sarajevo Declaration, which refers to the creation of a common market in the region.
"More focus on regional economic development will affect the reduction of ethnic and cross-border conflicts, as well as the reduction of unemployment and poverty," reads the draft text of the resolution, which should be discussed today at the EPP plenary congress.
Representatives of the European People's Party emphasize that special importance must be given to the contribution of the countries of the Western Balkans when it comes to the protection of the external borders of the EU.
At the same time, EU member states are urged to "do everything possible" in order to suppress the "negative and disturbing" role of external actors in the Western Balkans region.
"We call on the EU institutions and EU members to intensify their support for national or European funds and projects intended for the economic development of the Western Balkans in order to reduce the increased economic and political influence of third countries," reads the draft text of the EPP resolution, which Tanjug had access to. .
On the other hand, the countries of the Western Balkans are urged not to lose the motivation and commitment necessary for the European accession process. The region is urged to continue with the reforms, bearing in mind the "clear European perspective and the sincere support of the EPP".
In the draft resolution on the Western Balkans, the European People's Party emphasizes that every country seeking to join the EU must be evaluated on the basis of the same criteria and its own commitment, as well as that the speed of the European path depends on the quality and commitment of each country to the necessary reforms.
At the same time, it insists on refraining from ethnic provocations in the region, condemning certainly provocative and aggressive behavior, which represents a threat to peace and stability.
The draft text of the resolution of the European People's Party on the Western Balkans emphasizes that returning to the controversies of the past will not contribute to progress, but will only hinder the European path in the region.
At the end of the text, which will be discussed today at the congress of the European People's Party, and which should then be adopted in the form of a resolution, it emphasizes the importance of preserving the multi-ethnic character of the Western Balkans region, maintaining good neighborly relations and regional cooperation, and reiterates that sovereignty and the integrity of the countries of the Western Balkans must be respected, and that any further attempts to redraw the borders in the region are completely unacceptable.
Bonus video:
