President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker said:”This summit has allowed us to forge even closer links with our friends from the Western Balkans who, step by step, each day come a little bit closer to the European Union – each at its own pace and merits. Being anchored in the European Union means sharing values and principles, including respect for the rule of law, independence of the judiciary and freedom of expression – because the European Union is first of all a community of values and law.”

Balkan stability is also stability for the EU, European Parliament President Antonio Tajani said at a press conference today at the National Palace of Culture. He pointed out that this region is European and noted that the policy for the Western Balkans is very important for the EU.

The main point is the growth of this region, Tajani commented. He has proposed a 10 billion euro package for European investment in the region – infrastructure and a digital network. I fully support Commissioner Gabriel‘s actions on roaming and digital politics in this region, said Antonio Tajani. He added that the EP is strongly committed.

In order to develop the new Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans, the EU has earmarked €30 million for investments in broadband rollouts across the region. Partners agreed to extend the region’s arrangements to reduce roaming costs to all six partners, while at the same time the EU will develop a roadmap to lower the cost of roaming between the Western Balkans and the EU.

The British Prime Minister has stated that, despite Brexit, London’s engagement with the Western Balkan countries will remain and will continue to build on what has been achieved.

Obviously we are leaving the EU, but not Europe. We will work for the security of the whole of Europe. This is one of the areas in which we want to preserve and develop cooperation with our partners, the British Prime Minister said.

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