Croatia is considered a pivotal European Union member in the Western Balkans by Wadephul.

, and Administrator

2025 September 5 . 1:53 PM

2 min read

Westphalia considers Croatia a significant EU influencer in the Western Balkans region

Croatia is considered a pivotal European Union member in the Western Balkans by Wadephul.

The European Union's (EU) accession process with several Western Balkan countries continues to progress, albeit at a steady pace. Germany's Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, has expressed his view on the role of key players like Croatia in this process.

Negotiations with Montenegro and Serbia began in 2012 and 2014, respectively, while Albania and North Macedonia started theirs this year. Montenegro appears to be the furthest along in the accession process, but a date for admission remains unclear. Croatia, which joined the EU in mid-2013, is seen as a model and bridge-builder for the accession candidates in its neighbourhood.

Wadephul views Croatia as a key player in the EU accession process of Western Balkan countries. He believes that Croatia, like other neighbouring countries, will benefit or suffer long-term consequences from EU expansion. Bosnia and Herzegovina currently holds the status of an EU candidate country but has not yet started accession negotiations. Kosovo is also a potential candidate for EU accession.

Wadephul reiterates his belief that a strong, united, and open Europe is a bulwark against authoritarian pressure and a guarantee for the stability of the continent. He emphasizes the importance of clear paths into the European community for candidate countries, based on the rule of law, fundamental rights, and reform capacity.

In a scheduled meeting with Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic for political talks in Zagreb, Wadephul is expected to discuss these issues further. He is also set to give a speech at the Croatian ambassadors' conference.

Wadephul warns of the influence of authoritarian powers, using disinformation, corruption, and violence to turn people against the European project and create new dependencies. However, he does not explicitly mention any specific countries in this regard.

The EU enlargement process with Bosnia and Herzegovina and other Western Balkan countries is stagnating, and efforts are being made to reinvigorate it. The EU's strength, according to Wadephul, lies in its cohesion and clear perspectives, especially in a world in transition.