The EU-western Balkans summit in Thessaloniki on 21 June 2003 confirmed that the future of the countries of the region lies in their integration into EU structures. In my contacts with representatives from the region I have assured them that, during our Presidency, Ireland will maintain the priority attached by the EU to relations with the western Balkans and that we will build on the progress achieved this year, during the Greek and Italian Presidencies. The Government will work to ensure the full implementation of commitments made in the shared EU-western Balkans Thessaloniki agenda.