Ashton: We need to find a way to make the Balkans' path to the EU easier and faster

Former European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton emphasized today that she had hoped to see the Western Balkan countries in the European Union by now but that it remained a significant challenge for all – how to ensure that the region progresses on the path to membership.

"I am from the United Kingdom, which is outside the EU, so I am not speaking on behalf of my government. When we look at the world, we see growing tensions, a rise in populism, the conflict in Ukraine, chaos and crises in the Middle East... The Western Balkan countries are on the path to the EU, and the question is how they can progress faster in the context of geopolitical tensions," Ashton pointed out at the panel "Political and Security Situation in the Western Balkans in the Context of Geopolitical Changes in Europe and the World" as part of the "Western Balkans in the EU" conference in Ljubljana.

She particularly thanked EU Special Envoy Miroslav Lajcak for his contribution to bringing the Western Balkans closer to the EU.

"No one has tried harder and achieved more than you. You have focused on finding solutions to concrete problems. You have spent a lot of time talking to Serbia and Kosovo to resolve issues," Ashton noted.

She warned that we should always think about future generations because young people were leaving the Western Balkans.

"We want them to come back home, to open businesses, and to contribute to economic development. This will not happen if we don't find a solution to overcome the problems," Ashton stated.

She expressed hope that in 10 years, everyone would be dealing with something else.

"We need to think about what if we make successful progress on the path to the EU. From my experience, people reach leadership positions and are afraid to do more. Sometimes, when you are brave and fix something, it means losing support, but it is necessary for the future of countries," Ashton added.