Tusk: Integration of Western Balkan Countries, EU Priority

These comments by the president of the Council of Europe came after he began a visit to Western Balkan countries, demanding more work in rule of law and in fighting organised crime and corruption, the AP reports.

All 28 EU member states must unanimously agree to any country to become part of the European Union.

EU accession has been a powerful driver of political and democratic reform in post-communist countries.

I am aware that this process will be more like a race with obstacles than a highway, but I have no doubt that full integration remains our common destiny”, Tusk said at a media conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Last week, the European Commission announced that sufficient progress has been made to start Albania and Macedonia's accession talks.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said Europe's door should remain open and that it does not want to see a return to war situation “in this incredibly complicated region”.

EU leaders and Balkan states will meet in Bulgaria at the summit, to be held 17 May.

Tusk said this summit should find ways and means to improve the bloc's ties with the Balkan region and reports between its countries.

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