Informed Declaration in Athens - Support Ukraine and the European Future of the Western Balkans

At the informal evening of the leader of the Western Balkans and European officials, the President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović, was agreed by the Support to Ukraine and its president of Volodimir Zelenia, but also points out that it is important to complete the vision of the European Union, in The composition of the western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova would be.

The leaders from the Western Balkans and European officials gathered last night at an informal dinner, organized by Greek Prime Minister Micotakis on the occasion of 20 years from the European Union - Western Balkans and the adoption of the Thessaloniki Declaration.

At the meeting, which was held in the villa "maximos" in Athens, the EU and the European future in the region was discussed, as well as the war in Ukraine.

At the evening, a declaration is a declaration that gives the support of independence, sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ukraine in its internationally recognized borders, and the Western Balkans, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova have a common European heritage, history and future.

The meetings were attended by Presidents of Aleksandar Vučić, Volodimir Zelenski, Jakov Milatović, Jon-Marsel, Dimitar Kovačevski, Nikolai Denković, President of the Council of Ministers Borjana Krišto, in the presence of the President of the European Charla Michel and European Commission Presidents Ursula Von Lajen.

They all gave a shared statement.

We bring the conclusions of the Athens Declaration:

1. Russian invasion of Ukraine is a key moment for Europe, creating a new level of awareness of common principles, unity and common future within the EU. This is a critical time for safety, peace and stability of our European continent. Laws and principles that have contributed so long to a stable and predictable European security order, and we are re-witnessing the executive effects of revisionism.

2. Faced with Russian aggression, we express our unbeatable support to independence, sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, based on the values of democracy and the rule of law.

3. During our talks in Athens, we expressed support and gratitude for sincere efforts of Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenia in the installation of the Principles of Peace in accordance with the UN Charter, in its peace formula. We also welcomed the efforts of the UN General Assembly to promote comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

4. We have known that there could be no impunity for war crimes and other crimes, such as attacks on civilians and destruction of infrastructure and that all responsible must be responsible.

5. Twenty years ago, the Thessaloniki Summit admitted that the Western Balkans belong to the European Union. We firmly believe that this statement is more current today than ever. The escalating aggressor war against Ukraine revealed an urgent need for strong, resistant and inclusive EU as a stone foundation of peace and prosperity among our nations in these challenging times.

6. We have emphasized that the Western Balkans, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, geographically adjacent to EU Member States, have a common European heritage, history and the future defined by common opportunities and challenges. As a strategic investment in peace, safety and stability in Europe, it is important that these regions be accepted as full members of the European family.

7. We discussed Athens about the way forward, so that this vision of Europe would become a reality. We underlined the importance of setting a goal for the completion of the EU vision enriched with the Western Balkans, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. We emphasized the need for re-energies and the re-focused extension process that is tangible and credible, without shortcuts to the set conditions. We expressed our commitment to support Ukraine and Moldova to take the following steps in the accession process as soon as necessary reforms.

8. We strongly believe that 20 years after the Thessaloniki Summit and in the light of the new geopolitical reality, it was time to adopt a brave and ambitious ultimate goal that will serve as a guide, inspiration and context.

POBJEDA