Today, Foreign Minister Sven Mikser gave a speech at a seminar titled “Will the European Union expand again? “organised by the Representation of the European Commission in Estonia. The seminar focused on the EU Strategy for the Western Balkans and EU enlargement. In addition to Foreign Minister Mikser, Ambassador of Serbia to Estonia Saša Obradović and Deputy Head of the Western Balkans Division at the European External Action Service Clive Rumbold spoke at the event.
“Estonia sees a clear correlation between EU enlargement and the stability and security of Europe, the spread of principles of democracy and the rule of law, and well-being of citizens,” Mikser said and added that Estonia supports the enlargement of the EU that is based on EU values and strict conditionality. “One of the prerequisites for accession is also full alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, including with restrictive measures,” Mikser added.
“The Strategy for the Western Balkans, published by the European Commission in February, gives an overview of the current challenges in the region, but it also offers an ambitious roadmap for the future, including for closer cooperation in the areas of the rule of law and good governance, security and migration, socio-economic development and youth, and digital sector” Mikser said.
The EU-Western Balkans summit between the leaders of EU institutions, Member States and six Western Balkan countries will take place on 17 May. The summit will aim to inject new energy in the EU-Western Balkans relationship.
Photographs: https://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/albums/72157696213216854
More information:
Liisa Toots
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Media Adviser, Communication Department
[email protected]
+372 637 7628