The Federal Cabinet has decided to appoint Manuel Sarrazin as Federal Government Special Representative for the Countries of the Western Balkans. I am especially pleased because I hold Manuel Sarrazin in high regard and know very well that he is promoting the interests of the Western Balkans with great commitment.

The stability and European perspective of the Western Balkans is a top strategic priority especially in the current situation. The Federal Government has created the post of Special Representative in order to work together with the six countries in a very targeted manner to help advance their development prospects and to support them as best we can in the ongoing reform processes. Manuel Sarrazin will cooperate closely with Miroslav Lajčák, EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues, and Christian Schmidt, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A strong, stable and peaceful Western Balkan region in South-Eastern Europe will have a key impact on the future of the EU.