Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos presented the priorities of the Greek EU Presidency yesterday regarding the accession perspective of the countries of the Western Balkans at the Ministerial Conference on the Western Balkans, hosted by the Austrian Foreign Ministry, in Vienna.

At a joint press conference with the Italian and Austrian Foreign Ministers, Federica Mogherini and Sebastian Kurz respectively,

Venizelos emphasized the transformative power of the accession process of the Western Balkan countries – including notably the rule of law, protection of fundamental rights, regional cooperation, good neighbourly relations, and economic governance – which are vital steps towards better focusing and managing collective efforts.

Today, Venizelos is visiting Warsaw to represent Greece during the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Polish Freedom Day, as well as at the award ceremony for the Solidarity Prize, which will be attended by a number of heads of state and government.