"Quality over speed in EU enlargement"

"Quality over speed in EU enlargement"

"The admission process in recent years has shown that it takes a solid action for EU enlargement. What I currently practice in my regions in largely true - quality takes precedence over speed. Solid preparation is needed," Tanjug quoted him as saying.

Hahn said that it was necessary for new member to be "joyfully received" by the European population as well, and not be perceived as a burden. According to him, it is necessary to fulfill the principles of the rule of law, and the like.

"From today's point of view it will take some time for candidates. Therefore, it is certainly a realistic assessment that in due time there will be no accession," underlined the Hahn.

Speaking about the Ukrainian crisis, he said he intends to "keep the channels open for discussion" and pointed out that the aim must be to end the conflict and to create preconditions to allow peaceful coexistence.

Hahn said that foreign policy is still a strong area in EU member states and opined that with a very clear strategy, which he will develop in the coming months along with incoming EU foreign policy chief Frederica Mogherini, "it should be ensured that the initiative comes from the Union."

Hahn did not want to give a detailed answer to the question "whether he could soon get an application for membership from an independent Scotland."

"Let things develop," Hahn said, and suggested that the issue may be moot after the weekend, while "there should not be too much speculation in politics," and that issues should be considered "when they arrive to the table."

Regarding the accession negotiations with the EU Hahn said that these talks must continue, "there is a clear order, which has not been revised."