Antonio TAJANI, EP President, speaks to the press on the occasion of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia, Bulgaria

TAJANI, Antonio (EPP, IT)

EU - Serbia (T)

EU - North Macedonia (T)

EU - Bosnia and Herzegovina (T)

EU - Kosovo (T)

press conference

EU - Croatia (T)

EU - Montenegro (T)

EU - Albania (T)

Sofia (Bulgaria)

Enlargement to the Western Balkans countries (T)

EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia, Bulgaria: extracts from the press conference by Antonio TAJANI, EP President

Views in the press room, EP President arriving in the press room (2 shots)

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, I totally support the action of the Commissioner GABRIEL on the roaming, but also on the digital policy in this region. The European Parliament is strongly engaged, I come from the meeting with the Serbian president VUCIC, I have underlined during the meeting with him, I totally agree with the proposal of the European Commission for Serbia and Montenegro for the full membership in the European Union before the end of 2025. Of course, we need to respect our rules, we need to work hard during this years, in the next years. Also, throught the support of the European Union.

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, We need to defend the freedom of the press, we need more transparency in the rule of law, but they are in the right direction. For this, I think is important to work all together in this direction.

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, We need to look to the Italy, but without the programme, without the name of the prime minister, it is difficult to ever comment on this. Of course, to leave Euro in every country, should be a big mistake, not only for Euro, first of all for the European citizens living in this country.

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, I wisited Montenegro six or seven months ago. I think Montenegro is working in the right direction. As every state, not only the candidates, but also in Europe. We need to strenghten the freedom of the press, crutial point is the growth of this region.

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, I proposed during the summit a package for the growth of Balkans. Ten billion Euros for new, European investments, in this region. Infrastructure, motorways, highways and digital network.