We want the Western Balkans in the EU, time to speed up the reforms

Sweden wants the Western Balkans in the European Union (EU), but it is time to speed up reforms and harmonize policies, said the Swedish ambassador for Montenegro and Serbia, Anika Ben David.
Today, Sweden began its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), and Ben Davim said that they wanted to welcome the countries of the Western Balkans.
In an interview for Tanjug, Ben David said that the EU's message in Tirana at the Summit, the first to be held outside the Union, was clearer than ever.
"We are firmly committed and we welcome the countries of the Western Balkans to the EU family. Geopolitical reality has brought a new need for urgency in the EU accession process. But the criteria as basic conditions are still valid," said Ben David.
She added that there is a clear path, a clear methodology. "We want to see the accession process based on reforms speed up," said Ben David.
She spoke about the EU's intention to continue to strengthen and intensify engagement with the aim of transforming the Western Balkans, assessing that it is time to speed up reforms, harmonize policies and take new decisive measures for the geostrategic orientation of Serbia and the entire region.
Ben David pointed out that the European integration process can be demanding. "Changes touch the DNA of the state and society," Ben David pointed out.
She emphasized that the ultimate goal is the establishment of strong state administration and democratic practices that enable adequate and democratic functioning of institutions in the field of security, access to justice, protection of human rights, provision of public services, economic results and creation of new jobs.
M. J.