Following the recently published “EU Strategy for the Western Balkans”, the EU perspective of the Western Balkans seems to be gaining new momentum. The political representatives of the 28 Member States will meet their Western Balkans counterparts at the Summit in Sofia on 17 May 2018, the first of its kind in 15 years. In view of this Summit, COMECE elaborated a contribution in dialogue with regional Catholic Church authorities.
Entitled “Western Balkans’ European Integration – A promise of peace and a source of development?”, the document of COMECE provides an assessment of the regional situation and offers some reflections and recommendations for the upcoming Sofia Summit as well as beyond.
The COMECE reflection suggests that the European integration process with the Western Balkans should be based on a fair, comprehensive and responsible partnership that favours the development of persons, families and communities in view of reconciliation and lasting peace in the region.
It also highlights the contributions of Churches and religious communities to development and peace, and recommends to better take into account their role and actions within the processes of European integration.