Dr. Bujar Osmani:

I thank the Deputy so much for his question. The Western Balkans is geographically, economically, historically and politically part of Europe and we believe it to be part of the European Union. When one looks at the map of the EU one will see that it is surrounded by EU member states so it is not the backyard of the European Union but is a patio and is in the heart of Europe. I often say that it is a wound at the moment in the body of Europe and, as I have a medical background, I say that wounds serve two purposes. Either they are bleeding points or entry points for germs. This is what happens if one leaves a region in the heart of Europe unattended which could have consequences for the entire body and the entire European Union, having also the influences which the Deputy mentioned there.

However, the region has come a long way. From a region that 20 or 30 years ago was in the war trenches, this region today is debating the creation of a common regional market.