Good news from Europe, part I

Just read a press release from the PES that I must share:

[The] European social democratic party leaders meeting in Sofia pledged to give their full support for EU membership of all the countries of the Western Balkans – and to take concrete steps to increase regional cooperation through closer links between social democratic parties in the region. […]

PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, said “This was not just another meeting but a new start. European social democratic leaders want to be in the forefront of building permanent peace and prosperity in the Balkans. This journey must have EU membership as its goal, although the road will not be easy.

I have written about the soft power of the EU before, and this a perfect example of a declaration full of solidarity, that also will encourage reform in the Balkans.

Well done, Ramussen and the PES.