Lajcak on "Open Balkan": It is important that it is inclusive and leads to the EU

The EU Special Representative for the Western Balkans, Miroslav Lajcak, commented on the "Open Balkan" initiative, stating that everything that originated from the region was good, RTV reports.

"It is important that it is inclusive, that it does not exclude anyone from the process, and that it leads towards the EU, building on European values," Lajcak said in an interview with the Zagreb-based "Vecernji List."

Lajcak also noted that it was not realistic to lower the criteria for Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU membership and emphasized that joining the Union was not just a political decision, but also one based on meeting certain standards.

"I see a solution in Bosnia and Herzegovina and other countries aspiring for membership to become more present in the EU, even though they would not participate in decision-making. They should be present in discussions, and everyone should get used to their presence, and the EU market should be opened," Lajcak said, adding that this would de facto bring all candidate countries into the European space.