FM: EU needs Western Balkans more than they need us
Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said that one of the roots of the EU’s “many ailments” was the “failure of the enlargement process”.
Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said that one of the roots of the EU’s “many ailments” was the “failure of the enlargement process”.
The president said the integration of the Western Balkans was in the interest of all of Europe.
President Novák welcomed that Bosnia and Herzegovina was granted an EU candidate status in December last year.
PM Orbán said he would represent a “firm and strong position” as regards the Western Balkan countries’ EU integration.
MEP Kinga Gál told the European Parliament’s plenary session that strategic enlargement of the Western Balkans was vital to long-term energy security and to handle the migration crisis.
The foreign minister warned that the EU should speed up the process after being “weakened by recent security crises”.
Olivér Várhelyi argued that in neighboring countries “challenges of peace, security and welfare” could still lead to instability.
The justice minister insisted that Brussels should stop practices that result in the alienation of member states.
The house speaker said the EU needs Bosnia and Herzegovina and all other south-eastern European countries awaiting integration.
Justice Minister Judit Varga said that a strong Europe is needed instead of “a declining Europe going backwards”.
Commenting on the future of Europe, PM Orbán said the EU must stay together and must maintain its unity.
The integration of the Western Balkans is key to a strong EU. Serbia is one of the most important players in the region and must be involved in the EU’s further enlargement.
“Montenegro is ready to join the EU in short order,” President Áder said.