New Straits Times

Frustrated Balkans warn Ukraine over EU 'illusions'

11 days ago

BRUSSELS: Angry Balkan leaders lashed out at the European Union over their stalled bids to join, as the EU's decision to make Ukraine a candidate nation highlighted the region's failure to make progress. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama hailed Kyiv potentially joining his country as a candidate for European Union membership but warned against any unreasonable hopes for a speedy process. "North Macedonia is a candidate for 17 years if I have not lost count, Albania since eight, so welcome to Ukraine," Rama said at an EU summit with western Balkan countries.