Becirovic at Brdo-Brijuni Summit: Western Balkans should be a region of cooperation, not of conflict

He said that by actively participating in regional initiatives, Bosnia and Herzegovina demonstrates that it is a proactive and constructive partner.

"In that context, we will continue to actively support regional cooperation, including the Brdo-Brijuni Process initiative," Becirovic stated.

He recalled that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s foreign policy towards neighbouring and other countries is based above all on respect for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as the core principles of international law.

"In the years after World War II, few believed that the unification of our continent was possible. European visionaries such as Schuman, Adenauer, and Spinelli proved that the idea of a united Europe is stronger than fear, prejudice, and hatred. The political wisdom of European leaders turned former enemies into allies and built a unique European project, a lasting symbol of cooperation and strategic vision for the continent," Becirovic said.

He added that this important lesson must also be applied in the Western Balkans.

"We in the Western Balkans must not forget that the process of European integration is a two-way street. Unfortunately, we are witnessing trends in some countries of the region where European values are being undermined, replaced by practices incompatible with modern democracy. This trend must be stopped," he warned.

Becirovic stressed that true peace and progress in Southeast Europe are impossible without abandoning great-power ambitions.

"The dangerous idea of redrawing borders threatens both the present and the future. All countries in the region must finally understand this. Our future lies in establishing interstate relations modelled after those within the European Union. This must become a genuine commitment," the Presidency member added.

He stated that only in this way can we build peace, security, and development in our common interest.

"We may not be able to copy the Scandinavian model of cooperation, but we can certainly learn from its positive experiences. Mutual respect among states is the path toward a stable and prosperous region," Becirovic said.

He also said that intensifying the Berlin Process and implementing the agreements already signed bring tangible benefits for all countries of the region, and that Bosnia and Herzegovina supports projects aimed at improving development and citizens’ living standards.

"In the coming period, we should all focus on strengthening infrastructure, energy, digital, and economic connections between Western Balkan countries and the EU; improving energy efficiency and building capacity to respond to climate change; accelerating the transition to green energy; expanding the regional transport network; easing access to EU structural and cohesion funds for enlargement countries; creating new jobs and reducing youth emigration," Becirovic noted.

Bosnia Presidency members Zeljka Cvijanovic, Zeljko Komsic and Denis Becirovic are participating in the Brdo-Brijuni Process Leaders' Meeting in Durres, Albania, at the invitation of Albanian President Bajram Begaj, Croatian President Zoran Milanovic, and Slovenian President Natasa Pirc-Musar.

The theme of this year’s summit is "Common Interests, Shared Commitment for a Common Future: Together Towards the EU."