Exit has obtained a draft of the Joint Declaration from the May 17 Sofia Summit where representatives from the EU Member States will meet representatives from the Western Balkans.
The declaration reasserts the European Commission’s stance regarding the EU accession perspectives of the Western Balkans countries. It is expected the EU will confirm its support for these perspectives, yet require more effort on the part of the countries in the fight against crime and organized crime, as well as towards the observance of human rights and the rights of minorities.
Below, find the draft declaration’s principal points:
- The EU welcomes the Western Balkans partners commitment to the primacy of democracy and the rule of law, especially the fight against corruption and organised crime, good governance, as well as respect for human rights and rights of persons belonging to minorities.
- The EU supports the Western Balkans partners pledge to continue strengthening good neighbourly relations, regional stability and mutual cooperation.
- The EU is determined to strengthen and intensify its engagement at all levels to support the region’s political, economic and social transformation, including through increased assistance based on tangible progress in the rule of law, as well as in socio-economic reforms, by the Western Balkans partners
- The EU supports the Western Balkans partners pledge to continue strengthening good neighbourly relations, regional stability and mutual cooperation.
- Countering terrorism and extremism, including financing, radicalisation and the return of foreign terrorist fighters require our increased cooperation
- The EU and the Western Balkans partners acknowledge that results in fighting corruption and organised crime are essential for the region’s political and socio-economic transformation and also for regional stability and security, which are in the best interest of their citizens.
- The EU welcomes the contribution of the Western Balkans partners to its Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) in all its aspects and expects a progressive deepening of cooperation in this area, especially an enhanced level of alignment, notably on issues where major common interests are at stake.
- Disinformation and other hybrid activities will be fought together through greater collaboration in resilience, cyber security and strategic communication.
