Sustainability-oriented countries of the Western Balkans which are friendly to young people must step decisively on their European path

In a very constructive atmosphere, this year’s 12th meeting of the leaders took place in Skopje. At the incentive of President Pirc Musar, the heads of state dedicated special attention to climate change and challenges encountered by young people in the region, particularly the issue of brain drain. The key pillar of the process remains the convergence of the Western Balkan countries with the European Union and the necessity of its acceleration. To this end, the heads of state adopted a joint declaration in which they addressed the relevant challenges.

One of the main topics to which the presidents dedicated the most attention was the future of young people and the issue of brain drain in the countries of the region. As the key factors for providing better opportunities for young generations, President Pirc Musar highlighted the importance of investing in education, elimination of corrupt practices, employment of young people and promotion of entrepreneurship. “By promoting inclusive and open society that will accept all the diversity of the Western Balkan countries, we must create an environment which will encourage young people to stay or return to these countries and contribute to the joint development of the region,” underlined the President of the Republic.

The discussion on measures for environment protection and limiting of climate change was also intensive and productive. President Pirc Musar stressed the significance of cooperation in the region when reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable development and using renewable energy sources.

The presidents also addressed the European perspective of the region. Slovenia strongly supports this process and advocates the enhancement of cooperation between the countries in the region and the European Union, as it believes that such integration is crucial for the stability and development of the Western Balkans. “It is vital that a more specific time frame was obtained at the Bled Strategic Forum. The European Union should not be disingenuous on this point and it is up to the countries of the region to place all the necessary reforms within this time frame accordingly and also implement them,” commented the President of the Republic regarding the process.

This year’s meeting of the Brdo-Brijuni Process initiative represents a great step forward in improving cooperation and resolving key issues in the Western Balkans, particularly in the enhancement of relations between the nations in the spirit of peace, stability and sustainable development. During bilateral meetings later in the day, President Pirc Musar will meet with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu and members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chairman Željko Komšić and members Denis Bečirović and Željka Cvijanović.