Diplomatic World_69

And finally, we must also look beyond Europe and beyond the
geopolitics of our immediate neighbourhood. The power of democracies,
our ability to shape the world of tomorrow, depends
greatly on whether we are able to have a growth model and an
economic model that work for all. A growth model that is fit for
the challenges of this century, starting with climate change and
with the digitalisation of all economic sectors. There is an urgent
need to lay down the material infrastructure of the future world
economy, one that is truly sustainable for our planet, and that
delivers prosperity to the greatest number of people. Because
investment and infrastructure contribute to shaping the rules
of our world, they can promote a free and fair trade, instead of
financial dependency. They can protect our environment instead
of exploiting and polluting it.
This is why we have put forward Global Gateway. EUR 300
billion of investment. This is our approach to big infrastructure
projects – value-based, transparent, open to the private sector.
Infrastructure that delivers lasting benefits to local communities.
And by doing so, we want to show the power of a value-driven
investment agenda.”
President of Slovenia Borut Pahor stressed in his keynote
address that the European Union has a major role to play on
issues related to the situation in the Western Balkans. “EU
Enlargement to the Western Balkans has become a key geopolitical
issue. The EU should make a much greater effort to draw the
Western Balkans into its zone of influence and eventually into
its membership”. President Pahor highlighted the situation in
Bosnia and Herzegovina to be of key importance: “Slovenia is
doing everything in its power to convince the EU and the West
to fast track the accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the
EU and, if possible, to NATO. Should the conflicts in Bosnia and
Herzegovina escalate, this might pose a serious security risk for
the country, for the region and for the whole of Europe. I would
like to reiterate Slovenia’s proposal that Bosnia and Herzegovina
be granted candidate status this year, and if possible, without
conditions”.
“In my opinion, the EU should make a much greater effort to
draw the Western Balkans into its zone of influence and eventually
into its membership. I am aware that some are concerned
about the political costs of this course of events, but experience
has taught us that the price of indecision can be much, much
higher and much sadder”, he said before adding that “there
is still time to act. However, consensus must be reached in
Brussels as soon as possible, that enlargement to the Western
Balkans has become a key geopolitical issue”.
ABOUT THE BLED STRATEGIC FORUM
The Bled Strategic Forum (BSF) is a leading conference in
Central and South-Eastern Europe, which for 17 years has
been an inclusive platform where a diverse structure of people
from the fields of diplomacy, politics, economy, private and
public sector and academia come together to discuss key
challenges in the 21st century. The purpose of the BSF is to
encourage participating actors to discuss and exchange
opinions and to find innovative solutions to regional and
global challenges.
Photos: Bled Strategic Forum
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