Also in the Balkans, the profiteer Putin is

For the countries of the Western Balkans has been of 2018, a year of Promises. In the spring, the EU Commission had presented a new strategy that should lead to those six countries – Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Albania – "a rapid and energetic" to the European Union. In the summer it was staged to an ambitious summit in Sofia, in the second half of the year, the Austrian presidency of the EU made the issue one of its priorities. But now, in the Winter, and the turn of the year, the balance is once again depressing. In the European backyard, only the Frustration grows. It also conflicts proliferate.

All Parties bear the blame for the fact that the only partially United Europe is doing so hard with the geopolitical black hole, which opens up between Croatia and Greece. The Balkan States themselves to fight with the EU-required Standards, it falls short of the rule of law, combating corruption, and in overcoming ethnic conflicts. This is the sad old story. What is new is that the EU is far from those countries, which it has itself asked to approach.

This may be a result of classical strain. The community of 28 members will be overthrown by the Brexit in its centre, shaken up and no longer just on the edges of the new nationalists in identity conflicts. The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has drawn already to the conclusion that internal reforms are more important than the next expansion. But for that reason alone is a fallacy, because the Balkans are not going to wait silent and frozen until the Union has solved its internal problems.

It will take 60 years to
reach the same level as in the EU.

The accession process is subject to permanent dynamic and one of the results is that the Balkan citizens are not just in the EU, if the EU comes to you. In comparison to the nineties, has reduced the number of inhabitants in the Region by about ten percent, largely because of the migration of workers. Because it is likely to take, according to the world Bank's 60 years, until the income adjust to the Western Balkans and in the EU, about, surprising, this development anyone. They are a threat, especially for the countries of origin, which is usually the well-Qualified return to the back. Negative consequences not only for the economy but also for politics. Who's gone or wants to get away, no horns and more to the necessary renewal.

While a number of Balkan citizens to push so in the EU, threaten to become parts of the Balkans, increasingly, by the EU to avert. In Serbia, in Montenegro, in Macedonia and in the Bosnian Republika Srpska, the President of Russia Vladimir Putin is seeking to increase its influence. So could bounce in the Balkans, the interests of the West and Russia, soon to each other. As a harbinger of the latest intensification of the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo may apply. A waste of time, as in the year 2018, could backfire quickly for Europe.

Juncker warned Romania

presidency of the EU Shortly before Romania's Takeover of the presidency and the Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has criticised the government in Bucharest to be sharp. These did not understand "fully" what the challenge was, "to preside over the EU countries," Juncker said of the "Welt am Sonntag". He attested to Romania, thanks in part to assistance from the Commission "technically well prepared" to be on the Premiere, in the six-month period of the European election and Brexit fall. As with many EU diplomats, it is the internal political situation, the Juncker concern.

in November, the Commission, Romania was attested to in a 21-page report back. "It is very important that Romania takes up the fight against corruption immediately, and moreover, the independence of the judiciary", called at the time, Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans. In return, Prime Minister, Viorica Dancila demanded more "respect" and the Brussels-complaints "solely explained," in order that their country lying in Eastern Europe.

These statements form the Background for Juncker's appeal to Bucharest, and more "readiness to listen", to show. At will, "my concern is to set aside", there is in Romania so far: President Liviu Dragnea, the powerful head of the post-Communist ruling party, the PSD, the laws so formulated that it can be in spite of a criminal record self-government boss. The claims according to one article-7-the rule of law, as it is already against Poland and Hungary was initiated, the procedures will be louder.

"can't work Europe."Jean-Claude Juncker
President of the EU Commission

In the same Interview, said Juncker, the application, the Hungarian Fidesz party of Prime Minister Viktor Orban from the European people's party (EPP) to exclude, had been rejected. Otherwise, the EPP top candidate, Manfred Weber of the CSU Juncker holds the values of the EPP "for not longer compatible with the policy of Fidesz". Orban makes Juncker for the Brexit responsible.

All 28 members of the EU, accused the head of the EU Commission of "hypocrisy" in the debate, to a better protection of the EU external borders. The heads of state and government have demanded more controls, but now the proposal to increase the number of the Frontex border guards by 2020 to 10'000 would be rejected as "interference in national sovereignty". Juncker's conclusion to the Frontex-the dispute: "Europe can't work." Matthias Kolb, Brussels

(editing Tamedia)

Created: 30.12.2018, 22:45 Uhr