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EU bets on Eusair cooperation for W.Balkan integration

Macro-region countries meet in Budva.Cretu-Vella,positive signal

07 May, 19:08
(ANSA) - BUDVA, MAY 7 - The entrance of the Western Balkans into the European Union will ride on cooperation with EU countries and the growth of the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region. It was the message sent today by European Commissioners for Regional Policy and the Environment, Corina Cretu and Karmenu Vella, at the fourth annual Eusair forum, taking place in the Montenegrin town of Budva. "It is the first time that an EU candidate country chairs a macro-regional strategy and the presidency of Montenegro has been a success," Cretu said in a video message, illustrating Brussels' willingness to "further strengthen cooperation with countries neighbors." After the first years of growth of the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region, the current challenge for the 8 countries involved (Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia) is "to ensure that the macro-regional priorities guide the projects of the cohesion policy for the next EU budget," Cretu explained. Protection of the environment, blue economy, and tourism are on the top of the priorities' list. "The focus on fisheries shows that the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region has set itself the right target," said Vella, explaining how the strategy is focused on "promoting economic and social prosperity", and at the same time, "is another signpost helping Montenegro and the Western Balkans on their way towards EU membership".(ANSA).

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