Point # 3

This point "recommends" the way of reporting on the EU to the countries of the Western Balkans. However, Sputnik's interlocutors call this "recommendation" of the EU an instrument of discipline.
The EU summit on the Western Balkans was not over yet, and the 29-point document that leaked to the public became the subject of violent reactions, and no matter how different the starting points in the analysis were - public commentators agree on one thing - nothing new in the West.
With the exception of point three, which states that the countries of the Western Balkans are expected to recognize and transmit the "unprecedented scale and scope of support" of the EU as the closest partner in the region, the main investor and the main donor in public debates and communication.
Angela Markel also made it clear to commentators that the document does not leave room for great expectations, stating that she does not believe in setting a date, but in fulfilling promises.
"Once the conditions are met, accession can happen. Setting a deadline could be pressure for the EU, regardless of whether the Western Balkans meet the conditions set by the 27-nation bloc or not," Merkel said.

Tanjug/AP Photo/Darko Bandic

Regretting that, despite his expectations, no deadlines were set for EU enlargement, Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa optimistically announced the readiness of most EU members to focus on the European perspective of the Western Balkans over the next decade.
The written minutes of the Summit, the Declaration adopted by the EU leaders with the consent of the leaders of the Western Balkans, does not mention anything new - neither deadlines nor dates regarding the continuation of the enlargement process. The novelty is point three.
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