Germany’s request to accelerate the membership of the Western Balkan countries in the European Union

According to the report of the international group Tasnim news agency quoting German Foreign Minister Analena Baerbok, while warning against Russia’s influence in countries such as Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, called the expansion of the European Union into these regions a “geopolitical necessity” in “De Sight” magazine.

In this way, the German Foreign Minister called for support for the countries of the Western Balkans on their way to the European Union. Before leaving for Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, he said: “We cannot allow the creation of gray areas anywhere in Europe and we must do everything we can to close the factions that Russia can use for the policy of destabilization, spreading false information.” and influence to use, do. According to him, these measures include supporting countries in “strengthening democratic institutions, improving their flexibility and providing economic prospects to the people”. He said: This reality That we support the six countries of the region with all our might on the way to the European Union has become a geopolitical imperative, especially given the imperialism he described as brutal in Russia. The task is to future-proof ourselves “while putting more seats at the European table”.

Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, among others Western Balkan countries. These countries also include Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia and Kosovo. The European Union considers Montenegro to be the furthest away in the accession process. The expansion of the European Union is not expected until the end of this decade. Bosnia and Herzegovina has candidate status, but has not yet started negotiations.

Baerbok also said that Montenegro has been a NATO ally for many years. During its EU accession process, the country set an ambitious agenda for itself, and now it is boldly tackling it again. Their talks in the capital Podgorica will also focus on how Montenegro can make better progress in reforming the rule of law and fighting corruption and organized crime.

In Montenegro, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic and President Jakov Milatovic are back in power from 2023 and these two are pro-European politicians. However, Spaich was only elected with the support of small pro-Russian and pro-Serb parties.

Beerbok’s visit to the region also included a meeting with the presidency in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. And Herzegovina is planned. The country has one representative from each of the Bosnian, Serb, and Croat ethnic groups. There will also be talks with the High Representative of the International Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt of Germany.

end of message/