Lajcak: The EU and the Western Balkans must take enlargement seriously

After Russia's aggression against Ukraine, we see that both the EU and the Balkans must take enlargement seriously, because it can only be realized if both parties take the process seriously, said EU envoy for dialogue Miroslav Lajcak in a statement to Hina.

"My personal opinion is that Europe had to implement a huge enlargement in 2004 and 2007. It brought many positive effects, but also elements that complicated the EU, especially since it is more difficult for it to make unanimous decisions with 28, or now with 27 countries , than it was when there were 16 of them," Lajcak told for Hina.

He pointed out that some EU countries deviated from European norms and values, which also generated skepticism towards further expansion.

"Furthermore, objectively speaking, Europe faced multiple crises that were neither planned nor expected, such as the financial crisis, migration and Brexit. All of that pushed expansion down the priority list. Public opinion in many Western European countries was not positive towards the opening of the labor market to new members, so political leaders did not want to promote further expansion," added Lajcak.

According to him, the countries of the Western Balkans, unlike the countries of Central Europe, still have unresolved issues from the past that continue to preoccupy them.

"For my country (Slovakia), and other Central European countries, integration into the EU was an absolute priority, so we were fully committed to achieving it," said Lajcak.

Hina reminded that Serbia opened 22 negotiation chapters out of 35, and closed only two.

It is also recalled that North Macedonia was first blocked by Greece because of its name, and when it added "North" to its name, it was blocked by France ahead of its local elections, and then by Bulgaria, disputing its national identity and language.

"I don't want to speak in terms of someone's fault, but there were factors on both the EU side and the Balkan side that lead us to a situation where we are talking about the future of the EU, but without progress," said Lajcak.

When it comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which received candidate status in December, he says that the situation in that country is still very complicated.

"The fundamental thing is where the legitimacy comes from, what should be the difference in responsibility and competence between the state level and the entities. We see different interpretations in Sarajevo and Banja Luka and numerous disagreements based on the differences in those interpretations," said Lajcak.

He emphasized that the functionality of that state should be touched upon.

"We also see positive elements, the Council of Ministers was formed very quickly, much faster than during the last elections. It is important that decisions are made by all three constituent nations. Bosnia and Herzegovina must also find a role for those peoples who are not constituents, in order to ensure that no one is discriminated against on the basis of their ethnicity," added Lajcak.

For Montenegro, he said that he expects it to deal less with itself and more with the European agenda.

"Montenegro is still a leader, although the speed of European reform has slowed down significantly. However, it is good that the functionality of the Constitutional Court has been restored," said Lajcak.
He said that he expected the new president and government of Montenegro to fully commit to European integration, which was what the majority of residents wanted.

"Montenegro has been a contributor to stability in the Balkans for many years, so I expect it to continue with that role," he adds.

He emphasized that it is "ungrateful to talk" about the dates of the next EU enlargement.

"What I would like to see is for our partners in the Western Balkans to start participating more in EU partnership programs. To be in the same room. Not only when we discuss the Western Balkans, but also for them to be part of the discussion on other topics, to see that we are serious about them," he says.

He pointed out that it was necessary to refresh the methodology, without changing it.

"I am not asking to change charters or documents because that will cost us time. But within the existing structures, I think there is a space that we should use to bring the Western Balkans closer," he emphasized.

Lajcak emphasized that in the countries of Southeast Europe "he has not seen that people do not want to be part of the EU".

"But I have seen people who are afraid that the EU does not want to see them in its membership. The EU definitely has a positive image in the region, but support for European integration is falling, simply because people fear that the EU is not serious. That has to change. The EU needs to talk more with the region as a partner, and less to give it lessons," he said.

He pointed out that sometimes the language of the EU is too strict, too bureaucratic, when it talks about conditionality.

"We have to show respect for that region, its people, treat them as partners. And be clear about what we promise them. When they deliver something, we also have to deliver something," Lajcak said.

Lajcak says that 10 years have already passed, so nobody sees Croatia as a new member anymore.

"Croatia is an important member in many areas because it has brought its own experience. I see its role as constructive. I appreciate its role when we discuss things in this region and I expect it to be a strong advocate for further EU enlargement. It can improve the EU's communication with the countries of the region," concluded Lajcak.