EU Commissioner Hahn optimistic prior to Summit in Sofia

Tanjug/Zoran Žestić

European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn voiced optimism on Thursday about the European prospects of the Western Balkans.

“As the new strategy has clearly indicated, there is a perspective for everyone,” the commissioner told reporters prior to the start of the European Union – Western Balkans summit in the Bulgarian capital Sofia.  

 “It also serves the interests of Kosovo to work on a solution, on a legally binding agreement. So I am confident that this has created a new momentum, a new stimulus for both sides to reach an agreement as soon as possible,” Hahn said.  

He said that he is always optimistic and added that a new dynamic has been created in the region which has affected everyone.  

  Hahn told Radio Deutsche Welle that the Union plans to finance a large number of projects as part of the six initiatives in the EU Strategy for the region which should give potential EU members fresh stimulation in rule of law and implementing reforms, adding that none of the countries of the Western Balkans are ready to join the EU yet. The year 2025 as the possible date of accession to the EU for Serbia and Montenegro is still far off, he said.