German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called on European Union member states to keep their promises regarding the enlargement process with the Western Balkan countries.
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According to Wadephul, delays in the process are putting the EU’s credibility and influence in the region at risk. He warned that the union must prove that the commitment made in Thessaloniki was genuine and that Europe remains a reliable partner for the countries of the Balkans.
The German minister referred to the 2003 Thessaloniki Summit, when the European Union offered the Western Balkan states the prospect of membership in the union.
Wadephul also highlighted Germany’s contribution to bringing the region closer to the EU. He recalled that former Chancellor Angela Merkel established the Berlin Process in 2014 as an initiative to strengthen cooperation and accelerate the integration of the Western Balkan countries.
However, the German foreign minister stressed that, even after so many years, the commitments regarding European Union enlargement have not been fulfilled to the promised extent.
He also underlined the strategic importance of the region, where the European Union faces competition for influence from other powers, including Russia and China.
