The EU is looking forward to Croatia's accession on July 1, 2013 and expects the other countries in the region to follow Croatia's example, he said in a discussion on the Western Balkans and European integration held as part of the World Meeting for Peace, organised by the Community of Saint Egidio from Italy.
Sannino recalled that after the EU summit in Thessaloniki, the policy of individual accession was clearly defined for the Western Balkan countries and that it would be pursued. He highlighted Montenegro's success, whose accession negotiations have been approved, and said Serbia had also made significant steps, although at a somewhat slower rate than the EU had expected.
Sannino said Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Albania could also count on assistance and dialogue in the implementation of reforms required for EU integration.
The key tasks for all countries in the region remain the same, he said, adding that all were expected to strengthen the rule of law.
Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic said there was a general consensus in his country for joining the EU, voicing confidence that the accession talks and reforms would be swift and without hurdles.
The EU has given Montenegro a chance and this chance has also regional value, he said.
Bosnian Deputy Foreign Minister Ana Trisic-Babic said Croatia's accession to the EU next year was a particular challenge for Bosnia, primarily because of the 1,000-kilometre border, but also because Croats are a constituent people in Bosnia.
We hope that will be a bridge that contributes to swifter progress in Bosnia, she said, adding that it was increasingly difficult to keep up EU-optimism in Bosnia because of the Greek and Spanish crises.