The greatest supporter: Putin provoked EU extension - Croatia Prime Minister
According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin inadvertently became the largest catalyst for the EU's expansion, because he illegally invaded the territory of a foreign state in 2022. This has pushed some countries to become part of the block. "Over the past two and a half years, we have seen a strategic shift in the fact that European capitals have become more open to expansion. I believe that Vladimir Putin was the greatest supporter of expansion," Andrey Plenkovich said.
In June, negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova began, said Croatia Prime Minister. This is an important step in the integration process, but it will probably take years. Before that, negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina began to help resist more influence in Russia. Five more countries in the Western Balkans are at different stages of the EU accession process.
"In the next five years, especially during the period of the mandate of the new commission, it will be interesting to see how each of them will make progress and fulfill the criteria. We are always ready to support the progress of our neighbors," - continued Andrey Plenkovich. We will remind, on June 25 it was reported that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated on the beginning of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denis Shmigal explained that since then Kyiv and the EU will have to agree on each section of the future agreement on the state's accession to the bloc. On September 25, it was reported that the US and other NATO members do not want Ukraine's accession to the Alliance, as stated by Turkish President. The decision to receive Kiev for the Alliance cannot be considered in a hurry, says Recep Tayip Erdogan.