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EU governments seem to agree that Ukraine and Moldova should receive EU candidate status. But how will the EU emerge from the stalemate with the Western Balkans? Dutch MEP Sophie In’t Veld has an idea.
The European Union meeting with the Western Balkans taking place in Brussels on Thursday was preceded by an unusual drama. On Wednesday, it was even thought that he would fail, due to the absence of some Balkan leaders. It was German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who even expressed sympathy for the dissatisfaction of the Western Balkan countries.
“When you raise hopes, when you put these countries on a path and when you convince them that it is worthwhile to walk on the path to the EU, and they make every effort, they risk political conflicts within the country, even, a country, “Northern Macedonia also changes its name so as not to be in conflict with Greece, then it is consistent for decision-makers and their citizens to express their dissatisfaction,” Scholz told the Bundestag on Wednesday.
“We risk losing these people.”
The European Union must find a solution for the Western Balkans. The Dutch Liberal MEP, Sophie In’t Veld, although welcoming the signal for Ukraine, said that she understands and shares the disappointment (of the Balkan countries). According to her, the EU increases the risk in this region if it leaves out the Balkans. “We risk losing these people, we see that Russia and China have a foot in there and they affect people’s hearts and their condition.” There is concern in the EU about Serbia’s friendly Russian course.
That is why the Dutch MEP demands, as well as the Greens in the European Parliament, that the EU and the countries of the Western Balkans agree on a realistic action plan within a set time. You can not ask these countries to reform, and then vote for their membership a generation later, says Sophie In’t Veld.
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg
MEP Sophie In’t Veld is in line with this stance with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, who has asked in a non-paper for the EU to “have a phased integration, without changing the procedure.” Which means that the countries of the Western Balkans that meet the criteria in certain areas should be treated as member states. This could apply to the field of transport, energy or science, Schallenberg said./DW
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