American diplomat: Region countries need 30 years to become part of EU

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Hoyt Bryan Yee has declared that the region needs another 30 years to reach the EU.

“Priories must be economic progress. Most countries in the region have an economic growth of 3 per cent to four per cent per year, but even with this increase or even 6 per cent, they will not be able to reach the EU average in the next 3 decades”, Yee has said of the NIN.

He has also talked about the corruption of Balkan leaders, saying the US does not close its eyes and that the responsibility for electing leaders is citizens.

“We are here to offer support, encouragement, to give advice if necessary, but sometimes even to call for the responsibility of our partners, when we or our partners take on an obligation, we believe that with each other they should run, not in words, but with their commitments. One of the most important factors in the Balkans is US-EU co-operation. Wherever the United States and the EU work together, work in the same direction, usually with some progress. I think the key factor in managing the will of political leaders to do what is needed and to accept the international community's advice. We are trying to set common goals together with our partners, even though it is clear that we do not agree with any decision fully. But what we've shown in the Balkans is the desire of all countries to first become more stable, more developed and to be sure”, Hoyt Yee said when he was asked about continuing talks with leaders of Balkan countries.