Hahn says 2025 is Realistic Date Only if Criteria are Fulfilled

The EU’s Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, says in an interview with Die Welt that 2025 is a realistic date when it comes to accession of new members from the Balkans, but only if the criteria are met. “The 2025 date is indicative, but it is rather realistic only if the implementation of reforms is intensified. However, all criteria for membership have to be fulfilled previously, there is no shortcut,” he points out, adding that the motto is “Quality over speed”. In the interview, Hahn once again welcomes the vote on the constitutional changes in Skopje, thanking MPs, especially those from the opposition.