Czech political crisis seen as obstacle to enlargement

Seven western Balkan nations aspiring to join the EU had their hopes dampened by French and German officials, March 2009, reluctant to see the 27-member bloc expanding in times of unfinished inner reforms and global economic crisis.

• Primary Source

Czech Republic: EU Presidency, 28.3.09: Western Balkans – fostering the integration momentum, Gymnich - Hluboká nad Vltavou http://www.eu2009.cz/en/news-and-documents/news/eu-presidency-statement-14119/

Deutsche Welle, 28.3.09: France, Germany Bolt EU Doors to Western Balkans http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4135774,00.html

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