PM Ponta takes part to SEECP summit, says EU must step up negotiations with countries in the region

The European Union must step up negotiations for integration of other countries in the region and offer them a perspective and a clear date in this respect, and not “moving targets,” said Prime Minister Victor Ponta on Tuesday at the South-East Europe Cooperation Process (SEECP) in Tirana.

“We are already members of the EU and we strongly support the inclusion of all other countries in the region. We believe it is in the interest of the European Union and of the countries in the region that negotiations are accelerated so that the latter have a clear perspective for all those countries committed to join the Union. We must have a deadline, we must have clear targets, not moving targets,” Ponta said during a joint press conference with the Presidents of Bulgaria, Rosen Plevneliev, and Albania, Bujar Nishani.

He pointed out that these countries’ accession to the EU should not be regarded as a favour done by the EU members because it is in everyone’s interest to have unity in view of ensuring security in the region.

The Romanian Premier has delivered a speech to the summit.

The main themes of the summit meeting are the latest regional developments and the European prospects in the Western Balkans. A political declaration of SEECP is expected to be passed.

PM Ponta is accompanied by FM Bogdan Aurescu.