Bulgarian leaders support new EU strategy on Western Balkans

SOFIA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and Prime Minister Boyko Borissov here on Tuesday voiced support for the new strategy on the Western Balkans adopted by the European Commission.

The Western Balkans, as never before, took a place in a fundamental document of the European Union (EU) defining future EU priorities and actions, Radev said in a statement.

The strategy, which was adopted on Tuesday, marked an important stage in the realization of the goal of membership of the entire Balkan region into the united European family, Radev said.

"It should be appreciated that the strategy is practice-oriented and outlines specific parameters of enhanced cooperation with the countries of the region," Radev said.

An important feature of the strategy was its individual approach to the countries, Radev noted.

"I welcome the Strategy for the Western Balkans adopted by the European Commission," Borissov said in another statement.

It clearly declared the desire of Europe to develop as a continent of stability, security and prosperity, Borissov said, adding that Bulgarian government would support the Western Balkan countries in the process of their preparation for EU membership.

Providing a tangible European perspective for the Western Balkans is one of Bulgaria's priorities during the country's presidency of the Council of the EU this half-year. Enditem