European Union – Western Balkans Summit in Sofia won’t be Thessaloniki 2 but same promises given to the Balkans in Thessaloniki 15 years ago will definitely be repeated. Infrastructural connection will be given priority, so that this part of Europe isn’t at the margin anymore, says Croatian analyst, Davor Gjenero. He adds that not much should be expected from this Summit.
“There’s no harmonization in the Union right now when it comes to enlargement, since France is highly skeptical of new members. There’s no dominant will for the Europeanisation of the region”, says Gjenero.
The main topic of the Summit will be connection, but it will also focus on the reinforcement of infrastructure , educational, cultural and other relevant bonds of the countries of Western Balkans and the EU.
The host of this event is Boyko Borisov, Prime Minister of Bulgaria. Beside Montenegrin prime Minister, Duško Marković, Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, as well as Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission will also attend the Summit.
The implementation of the Action Plan for the Regional Economic Area in the Western Balkans will be discussed at the Summit too. Regional Investment Reform Agenda is expected to be accepted and its aim is to attract more investments as one of the components of the Action Plan.
EU Member States and financial organizations are expected to suggest financial and other forms of help so that countries in the region can make progress faster and finally become legitimate members.
