Jansa: EU Only Solution for Western Balkans
EU accession is the only way to tear down the borders between Western Balkan countries, Prime Minister Janez Jansa said on Wednesday at the opening of the Slovenian Business Week, a series of business conferences in Ljubljana. He told economists from the region that joining the EU was worth the effort.
Numerous Slovenian achievements since the country joined the EU are proof that EU accession is worth the effort, said Jansa adding that seven years ago Slovenia's exchange of goods with the EU stood at EUR 7bn, while now the figure stands at EUR 14bn.
Jansa said Slovenia presented a good point of entry for EU accession of Western Balkan countries and called on them to increase investment in Slovenia. The future of the Western Balkans lies within the EU, and membership in the bloc presents the only realistic solution to the problems in the region, he added.
Slovenian exports to the Western Balkans top EUR 3bn, the exchange of goods stands at EUR 5bn and the country's investments in the region total EUR 3bn, which is 60% of Slovenian investment abroad, the prime minister pointed out.
In order for the Western Balkan countries to join the EU as soon as possible, it is imperative that they maintain the speed of their reforms, said Jansa and added that Slovenia fully supported their efforts.
This year's Business Week, organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS), was dealing with the priorities of Slovenia's EU presidency. The proceedings on Wednesday were dominated by cooperation with the Western Balkans.
Government representatives from Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania and representatives of chambers of commerce from the region attended the conference. They presented their countries' economic development and opportunities, highlighting the importance of EU accession for their economies.
The Slovenian Business Week, which concluded on Friday, was aimed at boosting ties among Slovenian economists and exchanging information on international business opportunities.
The proceedings on Thursday focused on energy and environmental issues, while Friday's proceedings were dedicated to international developmental cooperation and technical assistance.
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