2017 Western Balkans Summit, Trieste
Western Balkans Summit "Trieste Balkans 2017" | |
---|---|
Host country | Italy |
Dates | 12 July 2017[1] |
Cities | Trieste[2] |
Participants | |
Chair | Paolo Gentiloni |
Follows | 2016 Western Balkans Summit, Paris |
Precedes | 2018 Western Balkans Summit, London |
Key points | |
Future enlargement of the European Union |
The 2017 Western Balkans Summit in Trieste, Italy was the fourth annual
Agenda
Issues discussed during the summit included laying the foundations for a common Balkan market, increasing regional cooperation, improving and expanding infrastructure and energy services, curbing migration, and fighting corruption, terrorism, and radicalism.
Connectivity
Infrastructure is slated to be harmonized and built with EU regulations within the region, alongside repairs and updates to existing infrastructure.[3]
Regional Economic Integration
The foundations for a common Balkan market were agreed upon. The summit leaders decided to focus on mostly investing in start-ups and scale-ups. The region also started on the path to integration within the pan-European digital market. To help facilitate this process, the Chamber Investment Forum of the Western Balkans was created. Johannes Hahn stated the economic integration and lowering of tariffs could produce up to 80,000 jobs.[6]
People-to-People Contacts
Balkan and EU leaders agreed to extend the Erasmus Exchange Programme to the Balkans as well as organising an EU-Western Balkans Youth Forum.
References
- ^ Western Balkan Countries - Research, Technology, Innovation. "Western Balkan Summit 2017". Retrieved 24 March 2017.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)[permanent dead link] - ^ a b European Commission. "Joint Statement - Western Balkans Six Prime Ministers meeting". Retrieved 24 March 2017.
- ^ a b European Commission. "2017 Western Balkans Summit – stepping up regional cooperation to advance on the European Union path". Retrieved 13 July 2017.
- ^ "Trieste Western Balkan Summit. Declaration by the Italian Chair". Retrieved 13 July 2017.
- ^ Zoran Arbutina. "Balkan states sit in endless EU waiting room as Trieste summit approaches". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
- ^ Valerie Hopkins (11 July 2017). "Trieste test for Western Balkan unity". Retrieved 13 July 2017.
See also
- Berlin Process
- Southeast Europe
- Stabilisation and Association Process
- Central European Free Trade Agreement
- Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe
- Southeast Europe Transport Community