Diplomacy: WadePhul sees Croatia in EU key role for Western Balkans

Foreign Minister Johann WadePhul sees the EU partner Croatia in a key role in the EU accession process of the Western Balkans. “Croatia knows exactly about the opportunities and challenges. Therefore, I hope that Croatia plays an active role in the accession process of the states of the western Balkans,” said the CDU politician before departure as a visit to the Croatian capital Zagreb. Croatia joined the European Union in mid -2013 as the last country to date and is also in NATO.

WadePhul attracted a role as a role model and bridge manufacturer for the candidates in his neighborhood. Montenegro is seen as the most broadest in the accession process, but a date for a recording is not in prospect. With Montenegro and Serbia, the EU has been conducting accession negotiations since 2012 and in 2014. The 2022 negotiation process was launched with Albania and Northern Macedonia. Bosnia-Herzegovina has the status of a candidate for accession, but has not yet been negotiated. Kosovo is a potential candidate.

WadePhul: United Europe Bollwerk against authoritarian printing

Like all neighboring countries, Croatia will have to share the success of an expansion or to suffer from the long -term consequences if this failed to materialize, said WadePhul. A strong, united and open Europe is not just a promise for prosperity and security, “it is a bulwark against authoritarian pressure and a guarantee for the stability of our continent”.

In a world in change, Europe’s strength is becoming cohesion and clear perspectives, said WadePhul. The accession candidates would have to be offered clear ways to the community based on the rule of law, fundamental rights and reform strength. “Where this perspective is missing, autocratic powers try to gain influence with disinformation, corruption and violence, to raise people against our European project and create new dependencies,” he warned, without naming Russia and China.

Meeting with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister planned

In Zagreb, WadePhul wants to meet Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic for political talks alongside Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman. In addition, a speech of WadePhul is planned before the Croatian ambassador conference.