Integrating Balkans into EU is strategic for both, says Merkel
14 September, 2021
It is in the EU’s strategic interests to integrate the Balkan states into the bloc, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday.
Mrs Merkel urged Serbia and other countries in the region to improve democratic reforms to join.
The Western Balkan states –which include Serbia, Bosnia, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo – have for decades sought EU membership.
But because of the bloc’s stalled interest in expansion and the years of diplomatic crises it has faced as Britain left the bloc, those nations have been left to seek other alliances, including with Russia and China.
“All of us who are already members of the European Union should always make clear to ourselves that there is an absolute geo-strategic interest for us to really include these countries into the EU,” Mrs Merkel said alongside Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade.
“There are also influences from other regions in the world and if the European Union doesn’t move fast enough … then of course one is forced to arrange oneself with other partners.
“As German Chancellor and a member of the European Union, I always make it clear to ourselves how important it is for the European Union to get closer to these countries.”
Mrs Merkel did not run for re-election this year after leading Germany since 2005. The country is holding a general election on September 26.
Mr Vucic, a former ultra-nationalist, praised her as a true ally who during her 16 years in charge managed “to maintain peace” in the Balkans, which went through wars in the 1990s.
“She was undoubtedly the true leader of Europe,” he said. “I have a fear who will replace her.”
Mr Vucic has been widely considered a strong ally of Mrs Merkel in the Balkans, despite his growing autocratic tendencies that include stifling independent media, ignoring the rule of law and interfering in free and fair elections.
Those three foundations of democracy are key conditions for any country wanting to join the 27-nation EU.
Mrs Merkel has never publicly criticised Mr Vucic for his undemocratic policies.
Many believe she felt he was the only Serb leader who could find a negotiated solution for Kosovo, a breakaway former Serbian province.
Serbia and its allies Russia and China do not recognise Kosovo's independence, while the US, Germany and most of the West do.
“I think that honesty in our talks and the ability to listen to each other and then develop doable steps from this characterises our relationship,” Mrs Merkel said Monday.
“I got to know Aleksandar Vucic as a person who makes no false promises and who also tries to implement what he promises.”
She urged Serbia to make “further steps in the direction of the rule of law, democracy, plurality of society".
After Belgrade, Mrs Merkel travels to Tirana, the Albanian capital, on Tuesday, where she is scheduled to meet the leaders of five other Western Balkan states that are striving for EU membership.
Source: www.thenationalnews.com
TAG(s):