Bulgaria was getting ready to become an informal leader of the Balkan region, Macedonian newspaper Vecher reported.

Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin requested from the EU stronger commitment to the European integration of the Western Balkans, Vecher reported. In this manner Bulgaria demonstrated its ambitions to take a leading role.

Kalfin made the statement during the summit of the Kosovo contact group in Sofia. Bulgaria’s policies concerning the Balkan region were seen as a big advantage and positive factor for the country’s upcoming EU entry.

The summit in Sofia produced some constructive ideas and was attended by representatives of various countries from the Balkan region, Vecher reported.

All participants said the issue of Kosovo’s status needed to be resolved soon to guarantee the European future of the region.