German expert: Western Balkan countries prepare to enter the EU

But German policy expert for the Western Balkans Addelheid Feilcke expresses on the Balkan Talks” show that the main responsibility lies in not meeting the obligations of candidate countries.

If more had been achieved in mutual recognition, in improving the aspect of corruption, in improving human rights and in terms of press freedom, integration into the European Union” would have been easier, Feilcke said.

She points out that since the countries of the Western Balkans have not adjusted relations with each other, they are prepared to join the EU.

Mrs. Feilcke pauses on the fact that Kosovo, even though it has met all conditions, has not yet achieved visa liberalisation, and that according to her is a serious problem. For it Kosovo remains hostage to the principle of unanimity the European Union has, where each state's vote decides for visa liberalisation with Kosovo.

“This is certainly a serious problem, and Germany has clearly expressed visa liberalisation for Kosovo. But unfortunately the EU functions through the unanimous process and must all states vote in favour of this process,” said the director of the programme for Europe in DW.

Mrs. Feilcke expressed optimism in resolving the problem between Bulgaria and North Macedonia through talks that will hold Brussels with Bulgaria.

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