The European Union needs a clear vision for the Balkans, otherwise it could lose its influence in the region from Russia, the Czech Foreign Minister said.
“The example of Ukraine has made it clear that if not us, someone else will go there,” Jan Lipavsky said in an interview.
The EU’s approach to the Western Balkans has so far been rather “bureaucratic”, which has helped Russia and China step up their pressure, he said.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, northern Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania (all NATO members) have stepped up their calls for progress in their EU bids.
But Serbia, another candidate country, is trying harder to balance, to have strong ties with both the EU and Russia.
While it has condemned the invasion of Ukraine, it has not followed the EU by imposing sanctions on Moscow.
“The current situation is a great opportunity for the EU to change its approach. The question is whether we can agree on that,” Lipavsky said.
Source: Capital
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