Minister Osmani addresses at ‘Quo Vadis Europa?’

Santander, 22 August 2023 (TDI): At the “Quo vadis Europa?” summer academy, Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani spoke about the critical need to expand the European Union to include the countries of the Western Balkans.

Additionally, Osmani stressed with conviction that a united and prosperous Europe can be obtained only if the Western Balkans region achieves unity and prosperity.

He beautifully painted the picture of a shared destiny.

The EU and the Western Balkans are passengers sailing on the same ship. This Connotates that their ties encompass political, economic, cultural, and even geographical bonds.

Reflecting on the renewed attention to EU enlargement, Osmani emphasized that both the Western Balkans and EU member states agree that there’s still a much-unfinished business, since the historic Thessaloniki Summit of 2003, regarding the integration of the region within the Union.

Furthermore, he calls for a new vision for the region’s integration into the Union, setting a clear goal for 2030. Importantly, Osmani underscored that the security of the EU rests heavily on establishing a clear path for Western Balkans integration by 2030.

He applauded Ursula von der Leyen’s growth plan for Western Balkans, based on “more integration before membership in the EU.”

“Until full accession to the EU, we need a strengthened vision along with credible and realistic steps to advance democratic development, improve economic opportunities and encourage reconciliation in the Western Balkans,” he said.

Throwing his weight behind key proposals, Osmani further stated,

“They imply an increase in pre-accession funds, progressive access to the single market, and deepening regional economic integration. Also, removal of quotas for agricultural products and the inclusion of the countries of the region in the trade and investment policies of the EU.”

The “Quo vadis Europa?”

The “Quo vadis Europa?” summer course is a tradition EU High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles started in 2001. It continues this year at Santander’s Menéndez y Pelayo International University.

Read Also: EU conducts Quo Vadis Europa 2023.

The course started on 21 August and will end on 25. Experts, political leaders from EU nations, candidate countries like Ukraine, MEPs, and university professors gather to discuss the EU’s evolving role on the global stage.

Their discussions revolve around the EU’s contributions to European security. Also, its relationships with the United States, China, and other parts of the world.

Notable sessions include a dialogue between Josep Borrell and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmitrо Kuleba. Addressing the EU’s stance regarding peace and conflict in Ukraine, followed by discussions on the EU’s support for Ukraine’s journey.