Europe is a changing place in the developing world. The EU should strive to become a global player on the world stage. This was stated by the Minister for the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council Lilyana Pavlova in Belgrade during the 18th Serbian Economic Forum dedicated to the challenges of inclusive growth. "In order for Europe to be stable, the integration of the Western Balkans is an important factor. The Balkans need Europe as Europe needs the Balkans. Often, for the Western Balkans, definitions such as "white spots" on the map of Europe are used. The countries in the region are not this. There are 20 million people living in the region, deserving more development opportunities. That is why Bulgaria chose during its presidency of the EU Council to focus on the Western Balkans, Pavlova added.