The Euro-Atlantic perspective of the Western Balkans simply has no alternative, Brglez said, adding that the "greater the presence of NATO and the EU in the region, the lesser the need and space for other players".

The speaker said he was happy that European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker had called in his recent state of the union address for a credible enlargement perspective for the Western Balkans to be maintained.

Brglez moreover stressed at the event hosted by the National Assembly that the EU accession negotiations with Macedonia should be launched next year.

Both him and Katič warned that the situation in the Western Balkans must not be underestimated, as it "is inseparably connected with our joint security". The refugee crisis has shown this as it reached its peak on the so-called Balkan route, Brglez said.

The speaker also noted that the situation in the region was being complicated by "dangerous nationalisms, intolerance, unresolved bilateral issues and pursuit of partial interests to the detriment of genuine reform processes".

Minister Katič added that "internal frictions and limited possibilities for dialogue hamper the development of the region and represent the main risk factor".

According to her, the Western Balkans is a security priority for Slovenia, which the country shows with its participation in international missions and operations in Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina. In Kosovo, Slovenia will maintain "robust presence as long as it is necessary".

In his address, Brglez also called on the participants to provide greater support for institutional reforms in the region directed towards the respect of the rule of law.

"Eradicating corruption, clear commitment to mechanisms of peaceful resolution of disputes and respect of international agreements are foundations of successful and stable societies," he said, adding that this would help the region achieve lasting stability.

The 96th Rose-Roth seminar, which is being attended by over 140 participants, including 60 representatives of national parliaments from 23 NATO and partner countries, is the second one to be held in Slovenia.

The participants will debate topical issues in the region, including political, economic and social development, the rise of populism and nationalism and the issue of migrations, Islamism and security issues related to foreign fighters.