Skopje, 9 July 2023 (MIA) - The Western Balkans’ EU integration is a two-way process, which is in the interest both for the region and for the European Union and its member states. In the absence of a clear picture of such benefits, we have ended up in a crisis of mistrust, and it is necessary to identify the interest on both sides as soon as possible, FM Bujar Osmani said on Saturday addressing the panel "Western Balkans: A New Euro-Atlantic Momentum" held within the Dubrovnik Forum 2023.

The solution, Osmani noted, lies in the bilateral commitment of the EU, that the integration of the countries of the Western Balkans is a credible process, but also of the countries of the Western Balkans, that they will not push for membership before they are ready for it, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

The concept of accelerated integration - “More integration before membership” – represents a phased integration, with access to EU funds, and benefits from the integration process before membership, can further help in this process, Osmani said.

In his address, Osmani referred to the constitutional changes in the Republic of North Macedonia, which, as he underlined, represent a serious challenge.

“But I hope that the existence of a political government in Bulgaria, the international support for the process and our readiness to talk with the new Bulgarian government can mean a point of no return in relation to our EU integration process,” Osmani said, reads the press release.

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs