The Chairman of the Presidency of BiH Mladen Ivanic rated this year’s European People’s Party congress as very important for the entire region, but also for BiH. The congress, which will be held in Malta, will have the focus on the future of the whole Europe and especially the Western Balkans.
He stressed the importance of adopting a special resolution on the Western Balkans, which gives strong support to European future of the entire region. The resolution says that the process of European integration is successful for strengthening peace, stability, a market economy and democratic principles.
The European People’s Party called for in the resolution adopted by member states and the European Union institutions to focus more on the Western Balkans region.
As a guest speaker, Ivanic commented on the current political situation in BiH and the region and stressed that the membership in the EU is very important for the whole Western Balkans.
“All problems and tensions in the region have a major impact on BiH, because we are in the heart of the Balkans. To us, the European perspective is very important in this respect, but I’m still optimistic. If we are isolated, internal conflicts and differences are bigger, but in the wider environment, this kind of conflict is becoming less relevant, “said Ivanic.
Speaking of the obligations before BiH on the European path, he noted that it must be fulfilled even though it will not be easy. However, when looking at the situation in BiH 22 years after the war progress is visible. For the end, he urged all to work together to stabilize the Western Balkans and BiH.
The theme of the two-day congress of the European People’s Party is the “Future of Europe”, and the focus of the congress are topics concerning the Western Balkans and Brexit, as well as the numerous challenges facing Europe, foreign and security policy, migration and terrorism.