General Secretary of the Regional Cooperation Council, Majlinda Bregu, stated that we need to build a future where the Western Balkans is part of the EU family.
In a statement on Europe Day, Bregu said, "In early 20th century France, the Nobel laureate Romain Rolland proclaimed the symphony 'Ode to Joy' as the great humanist ode to the brotherhood of all people and called it the anthem of humanity. As I was preparing for this Talking Point this morning, the yet-to-be-published data from the new edition of the Balkan Barometer brought some of that joy today, because unfortunately, the data show a further and deep decline in the support of Western Balkan citizens for EU membership. Among the 54% of Western Balkan citizens who support EU membership, the sentiment remains predominantly favorable throughout the region."
However, Bregu emphasized, "an eight-point decline since 2021 is a strong reminder of the frustrations many feel about the slow pace of progress, as well as a call to action. The percentage of those who think that EU membership will never happen has decreased by 5%, from 23 to 18 percent. So, optimism exists, but it comes with more difficulty."
"The Western Balkans has come a long way over the past two decades. But unlocking the region's potential will require new resources, dynamism, and transformation to overcome deep social, institutional, and environmental challenges. And this is not just about money and markets; it's about values: democracy, rule of law, human rights," Bregu added.
"So on this Europe Day, let's not just wave flags or watch fireworks. Let's engage in the hard work of reform, fight corruption, and build a future where the Western Balkans is not just a guest at the party, but a part of the family. A people-focused Europe, which is adaptable, reformed, revitalized, and inclusive, with the Western Balkans strongly integrated, represents the optimal investment in peace and security for the entire continent," emphasized Bregu.
"As Europe prepares for the upcoming elections, those of us who cannot vote extend our best wishes to progressive, responsible Europeans who will cast their votes not only for themselves but also for us. We, who are outside the embrace, look with hope that the future of Europe unfolds positively despite our inability to shape it directly", Bregu emphasized.
Therefore, continued the General Secretary of the Regional Cooperation Council, Majlinda Bregu, "my fellow Europeans give a positive opinion and a vote to all those who, as in the text of the "Ode to Joy", sing: "We enter, drunk with fire, Heavenly one, thy sanctuary". Cheers, for a stronger, more united Europe!".
/k.s/
