The Western Balkans has more problems than Germany and France combined but it has a European perspective, European Union Council President Donald Tusk said at the end of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia.

The region’s economy and the number of citizens cannot be a problem on the road to the EU but the Western Balkans has more problems per capita than Germany and France combined, he said.  

Tusk said the region has a clear European perspective but the EU will not break down the process by fast tracking anyone.  

Europe is strong and capable enough to adopt a plan to bring in new members with all expected problems and consequences, he said adding that the problem of the Western Balkans has to be viewed in the right manner. We have to be consistent, optimistic, tough and cautious about our promises, Tusk said.  

The summit in Sofia was a very serious and significant step on the European path for the entire region, the EU Commission President said.