(ANSA) - BRUXELLES - 2018 will provide a "unique opportunity" for the region of the Western Balkans "to make irreversible steps forward in its EU integration, provided that the utmost priority is given to the necessary reforms, in particular on rule of law, justice, and fundamental rights". It is the outcome of an informal gathering in Brussels between the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, and the six Prime Ministers of the Western Balkans to discuss the situation in the region and in particular the opportunities to advance the region's European Union integration in 2018. All the six leaders attended the meeting.

A strong cooperation and good neighborly relations in the region are of the utmost importance for Brussels, though still hard to conceive. The leaders underlined their "deep determination and interest" in strengthening their relations and "promoting regional understanding". Mogherini pointed out the "importance of the ongoing discussions between Presidents Hashim Thaci and Aleksandar Vucic to advance in the EU-facilitated dialogue for normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo".

Three main European events are on top of the agenda for the Western Balkans in 2018. First, the Bulgarian EU presidency that will begin in January and will focus also on the Western Balkans region to allow further progress. Then, in February, the European Commission and the EU Commissioner for Enlargement Johannes Hahn, will publish a strategy for the entire region.

Finally, EU and Western Balkans will hold a summit in Sofia on May, 17th. The Commission aims to "irreversible steps forward" by the six countries towards EU by the end of its current mandate, in 2019. (ANSA).