Kathimerini Forum: Signs of optimism in the Western Balkans, but no closer to EU accession

There are signs of optimism in the Western Balkan, but the countries in the region are not closer to becoming part of the European Union, despite the bloc's investments, said Migration Minister Dimitris Kairidis on Tuesday. 

Speaking in Washington at the 5th Forum for Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, the minister said that the Balkan nations face a variety of challenges, including demographic issues, rule of law, corruption, but expressed optimism for the future and noted that Greece is regaining a leading role in the region.

The discussion focused on the future of the Eastern Mediterranean, energy cooperation and energy transition, but also the challenges for the security architecture of the region and is part of the 5th Forum for Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, co-organized by Kathimerini English Edition, the Delphi Economic Forum, and...