The Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Integration of the Western Balkans as a Key Priority – Lessons Learned
The Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Integration of the Western Balkans as a Key Priority – Lessons Learned

Author(s): Gergana Radoykova
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Geopolitics
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: Bulgaria; European Union (EU); Council of the EU; rotating presidency;presidency of the Council of the EU; Western Balkans
Summary/Abstract: It was set clear that the European perspective of the Western Balkans is a key priority for the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU (1 January – 1 July 2018). The membership in the EU is only workable way to achieve sustainable peace, security, economic growth and prosperity in the region. In this context the bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Macedonia are of utmost importance and many positive steps for strengthening and improving the political dialogue have been made, emanating with the signing of the signing and ratification of the Treaty of Friendship between the two countries. The author’s main task is to analyze the current debate about the Euroatlantic perspective of Macedonia in the overall context of the integration of the Western Balkans, including the achievements and future challenges. There is a special focus upon the importance of building an active and aware civil society that is able to leave behind the contradictions of history and to look ahead and work with dedication to a "united in diversity" future for the region.

• Details
• Contents