“Slovenia supports enhanced cooperation between the Union and the Western Balkan countries in the field of common foreign and security policy. With Austria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Croatia, Italy and Slovakia , we asked for a roadmap for a gradual but accelerated transition to the integration of the Western Balkan countries. Among other things, we advocate that once they have aligned their foreign and security policy with European policy, “They can participate as observers in our meetings. Only with strengthened ties can we successfully address the challenges ahead – from disinformation and hybrid threats to illegal migration,” the Minister said Fajon on the sidelines of the meeting.
Upon her arrival, Minister Fajon reminded the foreign ministers that Slovenia is extremely committed to seeking alliances and support for the progress of the Western Balkans on the European path. Following the report on enlargement presented by the European Commission last week, it called on the Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina to redouble their efforts “so that by the end of the year, Bosnia and Herzegovina can start accession negotiations or at least get the green light”. , perhaps under conditions, at the beginning of next year.” “Not only in the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also in that of the other countries of the Western Balkans, Slovenia is very active and we are helping it to the best of our abilities,” the minister underlined.
On the sidelines of the EU-Western Balkans ministerial meeting, Minister Fajon met separately with the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi. They agreed that there is a geostrategic window of opportunity for the enlargement of the Union to the Western Balkans. “Slovenia will continue to work to ensure that the progress made by the Western Balkan countries is confirmed at the EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels in December,” the minister said.
