"The EU must fulfill its promises, 2025 important for WB"

The integration of the Western Balkans into the EU is the only way to maintain peace in the region in peace, says EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn.

"The EU must fulfill its promises, 2025 important for WB"

The integration of the Western Balkans into the EU is the only way to maintain peace in the region in peace, says EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn.

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He stated that he cannot determine concrete dates, but that 2025 is very important for the credibility of the European perspective of the Western Balkans, which is widely accepted in the EU.

Hahn, who is in charge of EU enlargement negotiations and neighborhood policy, added that "2030 was too far away for candidates to motivate themselves to intensify their efforts."

He, however, pointed out that "one thing is clear, which is that there must be a clear commitment to the rule of law and the fight against corruption in the Balkans."

"The year 2025 is an ambitious but not an unrealistic goal for joining the EU for the countries that have achieved the most on this path. That means that the negotiations must be completed by 2023. It is also about the credibility of the EU. When candidate countries fulfill their obligations, we must fulfill our promises," the EU official said.