Skopje, 17 June 2022 (MIA) – Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani believes the current geopolitical developments have only confirmed the thesis that EU enlargement with the Western Balkans can be seen as a strong investment in stability and security, not only in the region, but in Europe. “The Western Balkans is geographically, politically and culturally part of Europe. Hence, there is no doubt that its future is in the European and Euro-Atlantic alliances. Just a brief glance on the map clearly shows that this region is not on the periphery but in the heart of Europe.  This region borders only with the EU, and hence we need integration of the Western Balkans in the EU – the right term would be to complete the European Union and not to enlarge it. This is not only a political but also a geostrategic statement,” Osmani told a session “Building Resilient European Security Together” at the Prespa Forum Dialogue in Ohrid. He added that when it comes to energy diversification, one must inevitably think of the Southeastern energy connection corridors. “When we talk about the challenges of migration, the Balkan routes of movement are inevitably on the agenda. When we think about connecting with Central Asia, Africa, the only route passes through this region. Therefore, a stable, prosperous and integrated Western Balkans is a geopolitical investment for a secure, stable and prosperous continent,” said the Foreign Minister. According to him, the EU Summit on June 23 provides an opportunity to discuss how to jointly deal with the geopolitical challenges posed by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, as well as the Western Balkans’ integration.  EU will soon have to take decisions, he stressed, clear, unambiguous positions on the Western Balkans, because “Western Balkans’ stability depends on that.” “If same messages as in last year are repeated, it will be a wrong and detrimental signal. The EU’s credibility is at stake, particularly given the dramatic events unfolding in Ukraine. Therefore, I believe EU is at a crossroad, if it leaves Western Balkans out now, it will be the EU itself to lose more. Strong signal for the region is needed now. However, it is not only EU, but also the strong transatlantic bond. NATO is the only place that brings North America and Europe together every day, to discuss common security challenges. As the newest member of the Alliance, North Macedonia together with Albania and Montenegro create the so-called Balkan trio of countries that are members of NATO and stand firmly in defense of transatlantic connections of the entire region,” said Osmani. The Foreign Minister mentioned that the country joined all the EU sanctions, it is one hundred percent aligned with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, and even in the pre-accession process, it has an impressive over 40 percent transposition of the EU acquis. “Western Balkans is part of Europe, and even putting aside the current security challenges, a secure and stable continent means a united continent with Western Balkans as part of EU and NATO. Today’s geopolitical realities require appropriate geostrategic thinking followed by straightforward actions. Let us not spare a moment more on missed opportunities,” FM Osmani said. OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid agreed that now more than even, it is necessary to continue to work together and cooperate to support and build resilience and greater security. “This Organization was founded to make us work together, to cooperate across the three dimensions, and the very important human dimension – human rights and fundamental freedoms. And this Organization was also founded to reduce the likelihood of conflict. There have been conflicts, unfortunately, but we have also managed, through our participation many conflicts have been prevented. Now we are faced with the grave reality of war. This is unprecedented. I would not want to compare this with anything else because this is completely unprovoked, unjustified war waged by one independent state against another with grave consequences for the whole of Europe, but particularly for the Ukrainians who are suffering on a daily basis,” Schmid said. Therefore, she stressed, more than ever, it is necessary to work together to provide greater security and prioritize dialogue and cooperation over conflict.