"The CEFTA Agreement entered into force in 2007. Since then, the functioning of trade in the region has improved a lot. We know that the CEFTA Agreement is one of the rare achievements in the world of Free Trade Agreements and we have to be proud of ourselves for this. Moreover, we have to maintain this momentum and make additional commitments for further cooperation. A lot of hurdles are ahead of us, the process of accession to the EU being the most important one. The wish of all our countries to join the EU is our biggest goal. CEFTA is providing us with the opportunity of a level playing field until the EU doors open for our countries. We are all committed to use this opportunity to increase the wellbeing of our countries and not just because it is an obligation under the relevant Agreements signed by the EU. We are fully aware that this opportunity will bring our economies to a level which can be competitive with the economies of the EU. In doing that further integration is a necessity. Through the launching of negotiations for the free trade in services, but even more in the willingness of all our countries to support the Regional Development Strategy, it is clear that we believe integration will be beneficial for all and will bring about a rapprochement with the EU through its EU 2020 Strategy. We have to jointly tackle the challenges that are in front of us and this brochure provides us with ideas of how to improve and expand the implementation of CEFTA."