European Commissioner Johannes Hahn stressed the importance of regional integration during a meeting with the foreign ministers of the Western Balkan countries at the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

“Regional integration is a catalyst on each country’s European Union accession path and creates growth and jobs for the citizens. The six Western Balkan states should use the positive momentum for enlargement,” Hahn tweeted after the meeting.  

He said the six countries of the region should try to make their cooperation more effective. “Regional cooperation and connectivity must become deeper and more effective. Let's look into those organisations and formats that could be streamlined or even abolished. EU integration is about political focus and delivery to our people,” Hahn wrote.  

Hahn stressed the importance of moving forward in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue in a one on one talk with Kosovo Foreign Ministre Behgjet Pacolli. “A comprehensive, binding solution will be good for the entire region. Keep the eye on the ball.” the EU commissioner tweeted.  

Hahn wrote that Bosnia-Herzegovina should push forward its reform agenda and ensure smooth general elections in October.