Dear all,

The weather has tried to keep us away from Sarajevo, but you can see the commitment of everyone to be here for this important meeting.

Let me first thank our Bosnian hosts for welcoming us in this very historical city.

It is in this very same place that more than 100 years ago a war started that engaged all of us.

We find ourselves at another crossroads again today.

Today we were able to discuss some of the worries and challenges that we all share right now: the refugee crisis and migratory flows, and the threat of terrorism.

Both major challenges that we are all facing today are worrisome particularly because of the reactions that they trigger.

I observe in many countries across Europe an increasing return of nationalisation and rise of xenophobia and populism.

This is putting at stake our common European dream, and the idea of inclusive Europe.

Instead of such reactions, it is my belief that we should use these challenges as a catalyst to rethink and strengthen our relationships – both among EU Member States, and to bring the Western Balkan countries closer to the EU.

Because if the current crises have taught us anything, it is that they know no borders.

We share a common responsibility towards people seeking our protection, and we share a common responsibility to protect our own citizens against criminals who target innocent people and the same values of our democracies.

There is no time to lose; we need to deepen our unity, cooperation and coordination. That is why we came together here today.

Since the last time we came together one year ago, the EU adopted two agendas on migration and security.

But let me be clear: when it comes to the implementation,  cooperation with the Western Balkans is essential and mutually beneficial.

We need each other – not just now, to face these challenges, but also for the future, to avoid that our societies go back to what used to divide us.

Today we discussed and agreed to move forward and strengthen our collaboration on 4 points:

• The refugee flows along the Western Balkan routes: We all agreed that we need to slow down the flows, and offer more and better shelter to all, particularly with this weather, while informing all neighbours constantly and appropriately. Let me also emphasise that people cannot be refused entry purely on the basis of nationality.

• On visa-free travel for the Western Balkans: Let me start by saying that no EU Member State has requested to activate the suspension clause. But the numbers of asylum applications of citizens from the Western Balkan countries are still too high and these absolutely need to go down if we want to maintain visa-free travel. And let me be clear: we all want to maintain visa-free travel, and maintain the rapprochement between our countries.

• On countering terrorism: Today all participants endorsed the integrative plan of action of the EU-Western Balkan counter-terrorism initiative. We all have citizens who have left our societies to join the ranks of Da’esh, and we can only effectively respond to this challenge together, collectively.

• On firearms: We already have an Action Plan with South East Europe for 2015-2019 on illicit trafficking in firearms. In addition, we adopted an Action Plan last week on the illicit trafficking in and use of firearms and explosives both within the EU and outside.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The two hottest issues of today, migration and terrorism, are connecting our fates.

It is only together that we can address them. Today was an important day to reinforce these ties, and I look forward to continuing our cooperation.

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