Blanar: Integration of Western Balkan Countries Slovakia's Strategic Priority

Bratislava, 19 March (TASR) - The integration of the Western Balkan states into the European Union (EU) is a strategic priority for Slovakia and it is also a key prerequisite for strengthening stability, security, and prosperity in Europe, Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) stated on Thursday at a conference on the Western Balkans and the future of the continent, TASR was told by the ministry's communications department. "The enlargement of the European Union is more urgent today than ever before. In the current geopolitical context, it is essential to give the integration process of the Western Balkan states new momentum and a clear political impetus," stated Blanar, adding that Slovakia has long been among the strongest supporters of this process. He confirmed that the country will continue its support. The ministerial meeting of the Friends of the Western Balkans group in May is also expected to contribute to further strengthening cooperation. The foreign affairs minister also noted that the European perspective for the Western Balkan countries was defined as early as the Thessaloniki Summit in 2003. He pointed out that the enlargement process has been ongoing for over 20 years and is progressing more slowly than expected. "Today we face fundamental geopolitical challenges, and pressure on the rules-based international order is growing. This makes it all the more important to continue the integration of the region, which is a natural part of the European space," he stated. am