- Published: 15.06.2023.
Croatia understands best Western Balkans’ EU journey
“EU membership candidates can rest assured that Croatia will continue to do everything we can to make sure that the discussions on possible institutional reforms would not be to their detriment. We believe that EU enlargement has a future, especially in this geopolitical context. In that regard, enlargement based on common values is even more important. This is not the time for ambivalence in the Western Balkans, but for a clear commitment to a democratic, unified and free Europe,” Grlić Radman underlined.
The minister stressed that Croatia, given the shared history, experience and knowledge, could best understand the Western Balkan countries with regard to enlargement, accession talks and the required reforms. He said that his participation in the third Prespa Forum showed support for the EU enlargement process, which was gaining new momentum, reflecting the EU’s awareness of the huge importance of the Western Balkans for the bloc.
In addition, Grlić Radman emphasized that it was time for clear commitment to enlargement and a greater political and economic presence of the EU in Western Balkan countries. He took the opportunity to announce the upcoming Dubrovnik Forum, which will be dedicated to global restructuring in light of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, while one of the panels will deal with the new Euro-Atlantic momentum for the Western Balkans.
The minister concluded that we have a functioning Europe, but that it is important to have well-thought-out and constructive discussions that lead to a stronger, more cohesive EU.