Balkans:Slovenia and Germany, no vetoes in negotiations with EU

(ANSA) - BELGRADO, DEC 15 - Slovenia and Germany have finalized a 'non-paper' which stipulates that there can be no vetoes and blockages in the negotiation process ahead of the EU accession of the Western Balkan countries due to bilateral disputes. "It is a direct initiative to accelerate the entire enlargement process," said Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, quoted by Serbian media. Slovenia, she stressed, is in the forefront of supporting the European integration of other countries in the region. The most prominent case of blockade concerns Bulgaria vis-à-vis North Macedonia. Although officially opened two years ago, Skopje's accession negotiations with the EU are at a standstill due to Sofia's intransigent position demanding amendments to the Macedonian constitution to recognize and include in it the Bulgarian minority in North Macedonia. The latter country has in recent years settled another long bilateral dispute with Greece over the former Yugoslav country's official name. Problems also exist between Croatia and Montenegro, while the resolution of the dispute between Serbia and Kosovo is crucial for a real prospect of European integration for both Belgrade and Pristina. (ANSA).