Boka: Balkans ‘has always been part of Europe’
The natural resources of the Western Balkans have been crucial in terms of Hungary's energy security, Janos Boka, the European affairs minister, said on Tuesday at the international Budapest Balkans Forum organised by the Hungarian Institute Of International Affairs (MKI).
Referring to Hungary’s upcoming EU presidency, Boka said its priorities would include promoting the EU integration of the Western Balkans. The EU “is not as strong in the Balkans as it could be; this is why we want to put the region in the limelight,” the minister said.
Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky, the minister of defence, who also participated in the forum, said the Western Balkans was going through a process of stabilisation, but also noted “tensions under the surface that could lead to further friction”.
Stability in the region is highly important for Hungary, he said, and noted Hungary’s presence in NATO’s KFOR mission.
The Balkans Forum is held on March 12-13.
