“EU with Serbia or Croatia or some other regional country will be stronger”- Spanish State Secretary for European affairs

The Spanish state secretary for European affairs says his country will “encourage” Serbia and the West Balkans in the EU integration process.

Spain is taking over EU’s rotating presidency on Jan. 1.

“The EU enlargement is, without a doubt, our true priority. Spain is very pro-European orientated country. We believe that EU with Serbia or Croatia or some other regional country will be stronger,” Diego Lopez Garrido said.

Garrido pointed out that the West Balkan countries have a true European perspective and a realistic possibility to become full EU members.

“Some of the regional countries already have a status of a candidate, and during Spain’s presidency, we expect that the regional states will take new steps toward EU,” he was quoted.