Montenegro could complete technical negotiations by the end of the year, announced European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.
She said this in an interview with N1 television.
When asked what the European Union (EU) can specifically do to help the region, and to the N1 journalist's statement that money and warnings are not enough, that it is clear that the EU is losing the information war in the region, especially in Serbia, and partly in Bosnia, and that diplomatic language is not helping, Kos said that she does not accept "criticism that we are not successful in enlargement."
"Two of the four leading countries are from the Western Balkans. Montenegro could complete technical negotiations by the end of the year, Albania next. That is a success. We are living in a geopolitically sensitive time. There could be peace in Ukraine and that will bring a new reality to Europe. If we speed up the process, we will consider all candidates, but there must be a clear commitment. It is not enough to just harmonize legislation, I have to feel and see political will. The accession process is not only technical, it also depends on the member states. Member states are finding it increasingly difficult to understand the setback in Serbia with the adoption of judicial laws. They are finding it increasingly difficult to understand setbacks like this in Serbia," Kos said.
When asked what she thought about the idea of all candidate countries entering the EU at once, Kos said: "If I could, I would like all countries, especially from the Western Balkans, to enter together."
"But I am not a magician. If there are changes, we will carefully consider each country. Enlargement must make the EU stronger, not weaker. This is a goal that we must achieve together," Kos said.
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