Minister Grlić Radman talks European cohesion at 58th MSC

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Sunday attended a panel discussion on the Western Balkans and a panel titled “Fostering European Cohesion” as part of the Munich Security Conference.
 
At the panel on the Western Balkans, Grlić Radman spoke about the importance of including the region’s countries into the Euro-Atlantic integration, as well as about the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “This is the first time in MSC history that the Western Balkans is on the agenda as often,” the minister said, applauding the numerous panels on Southeast Europe.
 
In his address, Grlić Radman said that Croatia, as the region’s immediate neighbour, was very much interested in its Euro-Atlantic path and the implementation of reforms. “The Western Balkan countries belong in the EU – not just for the sake of their future, but for the security of Europe as a whole,” he underscored.
 
In addition, the minister reiterated Croatia’s position on the importance of respecting the constitutiveness and legitimate representation of Croats for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s stability, underlining that the talks on electoral reform needed to come to a successful conclusion in order for democratic and fair elections to take place.
 
Conclusively, the panellist agreed that incorporating the Western Balkans into the Euro-Atlantic political and security architecture would have a transformative effect on the region’s stability and economic prosperity.
 
At the panel on European cohesion, Grlić Radman reflected on the dangerous trends such as the growing populism. “These are irresponsible politics that are short-lasting, provide no constructive answers and pollute the public discourse,” he said, adding that “citizens today are under the pressure of alternative facts and cheap lies – literally cheap, as their online dissemination doesn’t cost much.”
 
The panellists also discussed the necessity of strengthening EU unity and combating such harmful occurrences, as well as the importance of stepping up integration and accession.
 
Grlić Radman concluded that “we have to listen to and hear each other. We’re different, but we share the same values. We’re united in our diversity.” He added that “if we want to preserve our Union, founded on those values, the elected leaders should stop blaming Brussels for everything. Brussels only produces results we all take part in creating.”
 

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