Hungary’s Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Szijjarto warned that Europe risks losing the Balkan countries unless it allows the opening of EU accession talks soon. The warning comes as the ministers in the European Council again failed to reach agreement to allow Macedonia and Albania to open accession talks, as Bulgaria blocks Macedonia with its historic and national identity demands.
“There is a competition over the integration of the Balkans and exerting influence over the region. The EU is best placed to win, and the countries in the region have chosen the European path. But the trans-Atlantic direction of the region cannot be taken for granted, Szijjarto warned, while calling for the accession talks with Macedonia to be opened as soon as possible. If we don’t do that, the EU risks to undermine the stability and security in its surrounding”, Szijjarto added.
