None of the Western Balkans countries is “mature enough” for the European Union, but the momentum must be used to keep the discussion of the reforms in the spotlight, said the Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy, Johannes Hahn.
At the EU – Western Balkans Summit in Sofia, Brussels presented six new initiatives, which should help transform the region, its better connection and reconciliation.
In the 15 years after the summit in Thessaloniki, where the EU and the countries of the region committed themselves to closer cooperation and implementation of reforms, Croatia is the only country to secure (after Slovenia) a full membership in the “elite club”.
Other regional countries have been waiting for a long time, each moving at a different pace towards the Union.
Serbia and Montenegro have in the meantime begun membership negotiations, but the date mentioned in the European Commission’s Strategy – year 2025 – still seems farfetched.
Commissioner Hahn says that the country to become a full member in 2025 will first have to complete negotiations no later than 2023.
The main problems of all aspiring countries, in addition to bilateral relations, remain the rule of law, corruption and organized crime.
“Some countries do not take the problem of the rule of law seriously”, Mr. Hahn warned but added all candidate countries have advanced in the recent period.
