Brussels, 26/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 25 July, France's President François Hollande gave assurances at the informal summit of the Balkan countries in Slovenia that France is “alongside” the countries of the region, in supporting them “to continue with the integration of the Balkans into the EU”.
In Hollande's view, “European construction without the Balkans is to obscure the reality of Europe, especially in its period of tragedy”. He stated that, at the next European Council, gratitude for the enlargement process and the European outlook of these countries would be spoken about.
Hollande reiterated that the Balkans' integration into the EU is conditional. It is necessary “to implement reforms, economic reforms, like every country that wants to join the EU, but especially political and institutional reforms and reforms that focus on the rule of law”, he said. He also stressed the importance of regional cooperation and reconciliation. “If the disputes are not settled, if stability is not achieved, if security is not guaranteed, there can be no integration into Europe”, in Hollande's view.
Helping resolve the name conflict between FYROM and Greece. Hollande said his country was ready to help to resolve the problem of the name between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). This is an issue which prevents Skopje's accession to the EU. “France is ready to play its role for a good understanding of this subject [the name issue] which has for too long complicated the process [of FYROM's accession to the EU]”, he stated. “The issue of the name is blocking the process. We can't continue like this”, he added, explaining also that France is ready to seek a solution, thanks to the quality of its relationship with Greece.
In the final press release from the summit, the heads of state of Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, FYROM, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania underline their resolve “to include the Western Balkan countries in the EU” and to “settle the ongoing disputes in full compliance with the best European practices” (our translation throughout). (CG/transl.fl)