Salonika: EU-Balkan Summit ends with joint statement

However, the statement added: "The EU reiterates its unequivocal support to the European perspective of the western Balkan countries. The future of the Balkans is in the European Union."
Turning to the economy, the statement said Balkan governments must press ahead with reforms. "Persistent efforts and structural reforms are required to establish functioning market economies and to achieve sustainable development and to ensure employment. Economic prosperity is essential to long term stability and democracy in the region," it said.