Majlinda Bregu: Let's build a future where the Western Balkans are part of the EU family

The General Secretary of the Regional Cooperation Council, Majlinda Bregu, reacted yesterday on social networks, as she said that we must build a future where the Western Balkans is part of the EU family. ""In early twentieth-century France, the Nobel laureate Romain Rolland proclaimed the symphony "Ode to Joy" as the great humanist ode to the brotherhood of all people and it was called the anthem of humanity. While I was preparing this morning for this Talking Point, the yet-to-be-released data from the new edition of the Balkan Barometer took some of that joy out of today, because unfortunately the data shows a further and deep decline in the support of Western Balkan citizens for membership in the EU. Among the 54% of Western Balkan citizens who support EU membership, sentiment still remains largely favorable across the region. But an eight-point drop from 2021 is a stark reminder of the frustrations many feel about the slow pace of progress, as well as a call to action. The percentage of those who think EU membership will never happen has fallen by 5%, from 23 to 18 percent. So, optimism exists, but it comes harder. The Western Balkans has come a long way in the last two decades. But developing the region's potential will require new sources of dynamism and transformation to overcome profound social, institutional and environmental challenges. And this is not only about money and the market, it is about values: democracy, the rule of law, human rights. So on this Europe Day, let's not just wave flags or watch fireworks. Let's commit to the hard work of reform, to fight corruption and build a future where the Western Balkans is not just a guest at the party, but part of the family. A people-centred Europe that is adaptable, reformed, revitalized and inclusive, with the Western Balkans firmly integrated, represents the optimal investment in peace and security for the entire continent. As Europe prepares for the next elections, those of us who cannot vote extend our best wishes to the progressive, responsible Europeans who will cast their vote not only for themselves, but for us as well. We, who are outside the embrace, look forward to Europe's future unfolding positively despite our inability to shape it directly. Therefore, my fellow Europeans give a positive thought and a vote to all those who, as in the text of the "Ode to Joy", sing: "Drunken by the fire, we dare to enter, Holy One, inside your shrine". Happy, for a stronger, more united Europe", writes Mrs. Bregu.