The political scientist assessed the likelihood of an early expansion of the European Union

The chances of candidate countries joining the European Union (EU) in the medium term are low. This opinion was expressed by political scientist Alexander Asafov on Tuesday, August 26.

"There is talk about candidates whose course towards the European Union is more reliable, but it is rather disappointing. They say that Montenegro has some chances, they speak uncertainly about Serbia with its problems, including the fact that a large number of Eurosceptics are growing inside the country, Albania and North Macedonia are crime, corruption, drug trafficking and other issues that have not been resolved," he said. a political scientist in an interview with Lenta.Ru .

Asafov believes that the entry of candidate countries can be discussed, but their path to unification can be quite long.

The reverse movement is not expected either, the political scientist believes. In particular, despite certain expectations, Poland's withdrawal from the union is doubtful, he added.

The excess of integration: the European course in the Balkans has reached a dead end

Against the background of obstacles for many candidate countries, Ukraine's chances are also decreasing.

Earlier, on August 25, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that while he holds office, Belgrade will faithfully follow the path of joining the European Union.

In addition, Vucic proposed making Belgrade a venue for potential talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom he has "warm relations", and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. He also noted the openness of the Russian leader to dialogue on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict.

On August 18, former Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov told Izvestia that Ukraine currently has no chance of becoming a member of the European Union, as the country does not meet the necessary criteria for this.

Later, on August 26, Polish Defense Minister Vladislav Kosinyak-Kamysh said that only after resolving all disagreements on Kiev's recognition of the Volyn massacre would Ukraine have a chance to join the EU, RT reports.

In addition, Kosinyak-Kamysh denied rumors about a possible Polish military intervention in the situation in Ukraine, stressing that "the Polish army will not go to Ukraine," IA Regnum reports.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.