Istanbul
Secretary of State for EU Inregration and Chief Negotiator of Montenegro Andrija Pejovic said, Turkey's opening of the 22nd chapter on regional development will make symbolic effect for EU enlargement in general.
Speaking at EU Istanbul Conference organized by Turkey's EU Affairs Ministry at Swiss Otel in Istanbul, Pejovic emphasized that the EU as a political, economic, multicultural community, had been undergoing several challenges.
He added that those challenges could not only be addressed by governments, but also by interntional organizations and civil society.
“I believe that the enlargement policy is part of that bigger picture,” said Pejovic, stating that the EU enlargement was part of solution for the challenges.
Pejovic said, “Crotia’s is very important as it will be the first Western Balkan country entering the EU. It will make a symbolic effect, it will mean that we can do it,” expressing his expectation that Western Balkans would be more seen on the European politics scene.
Regarding Turkey’s accession, Pejovic stated that opening of the 22nd chapter on regional development would also make similar symbolic effect for EU enlargement in general.
Referring to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s remark at the opening ceremony of the conference, Pejovic said, “Prime Minister Erdogan talked about a new approach, Montenegro is the first practical example of that new approach of EU accession.”
Pejovic added, “I hope by the end of this year, according to the new approach, we will open 3 chapters on combating corruption at political and international level; areas of particular risk and prevention of corruption in law enforcement agencies.”
Stating that the new wave of enlargement starting with Montenegro was more important than the previous ones, Pejovic said that he believed that the EU has overcome its fatigue through a new dynamism.
“Kosovo may get radicalized if EU accession process prolongs”
Deputy Minister of European Integration of Kosovo Gezim Kasapolli thanked Turkey for being with them in toughest times, and added that Kosovo’s membership was also important for the EU, as Kosovo would raise awareness in the union.
Kasapolli stated that by following Turkey’s footsteps, Kosova was working very hard to move the accession process forwardd as much as possible.
“However”, he added, “The stalemate in the negotiations is disappointing our people, if the process is prolonged in the future due to political reaosns, our society and politics may get radicalized.”
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