President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova addressed today the plenary session of the Summit of the leaders of the countries participating in the Brdo-Brijuni Process, which is being held in Tivat, Montenegro.
In her address, President Siljanovska Davkova referred to the European integration as a priority challenge for the countries of the region. According to her, the waiting room of the European Union called the Western Balkans is empty in only two ways: in integrating the countries of this geo-political region into the EU or in the emigration of people, especially young people, who, as she indicated, are tired of waiting for the membership of their countries in the European Union, so they want to be integrated in a quick procedure, in a shortcut, often with a passport of a foreign country.
According to the President, such a demographic threat is dangerous not only for the economy, but also for democracy, because, as she said, fewer citizens means less pressure on the authorities for European reforms, for the rule of law and the fight against corruption, for democratic values and respect for human rights and freedoms.
“The Brdo-Brijuni Process should help us empty this waiting room called the Western Balkans by integrating the states, not by migrating the citizens. The process will meet its purpose when the last state stuck in this geo-political region becomes a full member of the Union and when we consign the Western Balkans jargon to history, no later than 2030”, President Siljanovska Davkova said.
The President pointed out that it is necessary that all countries are treated equally and that progress towards the EU is the result of the achievement of European reforms and criteria related to the European legislation.
“As a country committed to good neighborliness and regional cooperation, we respect the bilateral agreements with our neighbors and we expect our neighbors to respect the agreements without abusing the right of veto”, the President said.
She pointed out to the leaders of the Brdo-Brijuni process the need for regional cooperation and regional support for each other, following the example of the Scandinavian countries, noting that this is necessary so that we can focus on the key problems of the region.
“I have already mentioned the emigration of young people. I will add to that the need for infrastructure, energy and digital connectivity, which will help the region become more competitive on the wider European and global market. The European Union’s plan for growth for the Western Balkans should be an instrument from which all the countries of the region, regardless of the level of the European integration process, have equal benefits. But an even more serious problem is on the horizon, and that is climate change”, the President said.
According to the Macedonian President, European reintegration, or reunification, is incomplete without us, because the division between west and east is artificial and must be overcome. As he pointed out, the full integration of the Balkans into the EU will put an end to the endless redrawing of borders, as well as to balkanization as a phenomenon.
In a statement after the meeting, the President said that the gathering took place in a friendly atmosphere and the importance of regional cooperation and support was emphasized, noting that we cannot expect respect and understanding from EU members if we do not understand each other. She stressed the key role of the initiators of the Brdo-Brijuni Process, Slovenia and Croatia, and expressed hope for the continuation of their voice in the process of our reunification or reintegration into Europe.
At today’s Summit, the heads of delegations of the countries participating in the Brdo-Brijuni Process adopted the Declaration, in which they confirmed their steadfast belief that the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union is the most promising and irreplaceable path to Europe, emphasizing the necessity of bold steps to ensure long-term stability on the continent and create conditions for young people to stay in the region and thrive in just, prosperous and sustainable societies.
