German minister: Where are EU's yellow and blue in Belgrade?

German minister: Where are EU's yellow and blue in Belgrade?

"However, we must be aware that the Western Balkans is not immune to what is happening in Europe and in the world," he added, speaking at the Aspen Conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Southeast Europe.

Gabriel expressed concern that, as he said, "some countries outside the region are trying to reestablish a sphere of influence and are pushing the region's neighbors against each other - and against the EU. These factors do not come from the region, but affect it - further reducing the pace of reforms and strengthening the forces that are interested in the survival of a bad status-quo."

"I am convinced," said the German foreign minister, "that it is in the interest of the Western Balkans and the EU to retake the right course. And the main course has been clear since the summit in Thessaloniki - and therefore I would like to confirm: membership of six countries of the Western Balkans in the European Union - that is the goal."

"But an honest analysis must contain a bitter truth: the prospect of membership in the EU in recent years in the Western Balkans has lost some of its appeal. The public was always disappointed when they realized that the process is full of challenges, and that it takes a long time. For that reason the rhetoric in the EU must be changed, and also in the region. Instead of blaming the EU for everything that goes wrong, responsible politicians should be encouraging their citizens on the road towards the EU - because our offer still stands," said Gabriel.

He added that the extensive assistance which the EU already provides to the region should be made a lot more visible. "It cannot be that, for example, in Serbia, the vast majority of the population still believes that Russia is one that offers the greatest financial help. I do not understand, for example, why someone traveling from the airport to Belgrade's city center is welcomed by a large billboard dedicated to the Russian-Serbian friendship, while the yellow and blue of the European Union is completely invisible," said Gabriel.

"We must accelerate large Infrastructural projects that are economically vital and have a strong symbolism - such as the highway between Serbia, Kosovo and Albania."

In order to finance these projects, the German foreign minister proposed the establishment of an additional special fund. Members of the EU, EFTA and EEA could be donors. "A fund for dual education should also be established: yes, all that costs a lot - but if we do not invest money now - the consequences will be even more expensive," Gabriel concluded.