Hahn: Dayton logic is not compatible with Brussels logic

BRUSSELS, (Patria) - European Commissioner for Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn stated in an interview with Politico magazine that the European Union's enlargement project to the entire Western Balkans is a "historic mission". However, none of the six countries in the region seem ready to join the Union for at least another seven years, and even that deadline is considered ambitious.

Montenegro and Serbia, the two countries that began accession negotiations in 2014, were given the possibility of joining the EU in 2025 through the European Commission's Enlargement Strategy from February this year. However, some countries, including France, believe that the Union should reform itself first, and only then admit new members.

- My stance may be slightly different from that of French President Macron. Perhaps we can convince him that both things can be done in parallel - he said, alluding to the process of internal EU reform and its enlargement.

As for the remaining two countries recognized as candidates, Macedonia and Albania, Commissioner Hahn is "very confident" that they will open their first chapters next year, as promised by the EU Council. He added that the screening process has begun in both countries.

- This is a very comprehensive task, and I hope we can complete it within a period of no more than a year or 14 months. The goal is for all member states to give the green light by mid-next year - Hahn said.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Kosovo, countries (the status of one of which is still disputed) that have not yet been recognized as candidates, face more serious challenges.

- BiH lives by the so-called "Dayton" logic. And it is not compatible with Brussels logic - said Hahn, alluding to the fragmented political system based on the 1995 Dayton Agreement.

On the other hand, Kosovo, in addition to the requirement to normalize relations with Serbia, must also collect less revenue through customs duties, as this is not in line with the EU's single market, Hahn reminds.

The Commissioner also pointed to the growing influence of China in the region. He highlighted significant investments in infrastructure projects, such as the highway in Montenegro, as well as the attractiveness of the "combination of capitalism and political dictatorship" as aspects that could lead to a more prominent role for this East Asian power in the Western Balkans.

- I think we need to be aware of China's strategic concepts and react accordingly. I think this will be one of the major challenges for Europe - concluded Hahn, reports EWB.