Sweden, the new president of the EU: We will focus on the Balkans!

2023-01-02 12:12:12Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Sweden, the new president of the EU: We will focus on the Balkans!

The Balkans will be one of Sweden's priorities, which on the first day of 2023 took over the presidency of the Council of the European Union from the Czech Republic, which will last until the end of June.

This is the third time that this country will be at the head of this institution. A member of the EU since 1995, Sweden held the presidency in 2000 and 2009.

Speaking about the priorities of his country at the head of the European bloc, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that he will work for a "safer, freer and greener Europe".

In the documents that the Swedish Presidency of the EU published about its priorities, relations with the Western Balkans and the enlargement process are mentioned as important issues in terms of security for the whole of Europe. "Developments in the Western Balkans, in terms of security, are important both for this region and for the European Union," it says.

Diplomatic sources in Brussels claim that Sweden will work on strengthening ties and cooperation with neighboring EU countries, both those that are in the process of enlargement and those that are not included in this process.

She promises to continue the work started with the granting of EU membership candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova, but also with other countries, including those of the Western Balkans region.

"The future of these countries and their citizens is in the European Union. The EU should continue to support these countries in their efforts to implement reforms, which are part of the integration process. Reforms in the field of justice and the rule of law are key", the Swedish documents emphasize.


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