The European Union should speed up the integration of Western Balkan countries, for the sake of the stability and security of the bloc, Croatian MEP, Zeljana Zovko (HDZ/EPP), wrote in an article published by the Brussels Morning website on Wednesday.

She warns in her article that instability of the western Balkans, migrant crisis, extremism, terrorism and cross-border crime “have implications for security in Europe”.

“Stability, security, peace and prosperity of the Western Balkans and the Eastern and Southern Neighborhood countries directly affect the Union’s own stability and security and that of its Member States, as well as its reputation as a geopolitical global actor.

“Thus, the EU has a considerable interest in the stable Western Balkans since the destabilization in the region can result in that the zone of instability can spread to the European Union,” the Croatian MEP underscores, adding that “Europe’s external and internal security is interrelated.”

At the same time, the foreign and security strategy is consistent with the fifth priority of the EU’s strategic agenda: the EU as a strong global player.

“It is necessary, therefore, that the EU speeds up the integration of these countries, if not, it may lead to the situation in which the continuing delays lead to withdrawal, national or religious hatred that breeds extremist intolerance at the heart of Europe, or even losing soft power in the region in favor of some other global actors, such as China and Russia.”

“The EU needs to strengthen its credibility, which has been damaged in the region for years now. Furthermore, it is needed to create fertile ground for wider reforms and to promote more cross-border cooperation between competent institutions to combat common threats,” Zovko wrote in her commentary piece.

She added that “the Western Balkan countries are historically and culturally part of Europe.”

“And, the integration of these countries into the EU is of key importance for the stability and security of the continent as a whole, as well as for the EU’s influence in the region and beyond, and this cannot be stressed enough,” Zovko said.

“A strong signal is important for countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina where support for Europe can decrease in the current political situation. If the EU wants to maintain its leadership in the region, it should act faster, as soon as the goals, one by one, are met. Thus, I welcome the reaffirmation of unequivocal support of the Member States for the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries as stated in the Zagreb Declaration of 6 May 2020. Given its geographical location, on the one hand, the region is important to the EU in terms of trade and transit routes,” she added.