Skopje, 3 April 2023 (MIA) - The European Union must urgently take bold decisions in the region, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani told the Western Balkans Ministerial Meeting in Rome on Monday.

FM Osmani took part at the meeting on the invitation of Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

In his remarks, Osmani referred to the necessity of setting a clear and predictable path for future enlargements with regional states, saying it is of essential security interest for the European Union.

He added measures are also needed for enhancement of democratic development, increase of economic opportunities and reconciliation on the Western Balkans.

"The altered geostrategic circumstances require a changed and adapted approach. Although it is true that the importance of enlargement has been highlighted as of late, for which we are grateful, we all agree it is not enough. Twenty years on from the Thessaloniki summit, the EU urgently needs a midterm vision for the region within the Union," said Osmani.

In addition, the FM stressed the need to close the economic gap between the region and EU member-states.

"We appreciate Italy's recent attempts to raise the awareness on the socio-economic challenges and needs for the Western Balkans, as well as the European Commission's efforts within the Economic and Investment Plan, and the EU energy support package for the Western Balkans. What we need in the near future is bold decisions for the region because it risks becoming a vulnerable area for the Union amid these uncertain times of disrupted security architecture if the status quo remains in place," said Osmani.

The ministerial meeting also included addresses by the PM and FM of Montenegro, the FMs of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia, as well as EU Presidency holder Sweden, reads the press release.

Photo: MFA