Corruption, organised crime and ethnic tensions are slowing reforms in the western Balkans, the European Commission says in a report that indicates near-term EU membership is unlikely for most countries in the region.
"The enforcement of the rule of law, notably through judicial reform, and the fight against corruption and organised crime are top priorities," says the report. "Corruption remains widespread and is deeply rooted in society. In all western Balkan countries, measures taken are not commensurate with the magnitude of the problem."
The report, obtained by the Financial Times, is the latest annual assessment of each country's progress towards meeting the conditions for European Union membership, which in the Commission's view is in principle open to all western Balkan states.
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