Addressing the plenary session on European unification and criteria for full EU membership, the Dutch official distanced himself from proposals such as privileged partnership with the EU instead of full membership as mentioned in a resolution adopted recently by the European Parliament.
The EU must meet its commitments and promises towards countries with European prospects. That is why I distance myself from announcements about special arrangements with southeastern European countries which do not lead to full membership, Nicolai said at the session.
We must offer full membership or no membership, he said, adding that anything else would harm the EU's credibility in countries which were offered European prospects.
He also dismissed as false the image of the Netherlands as a strong opponent of the Union's enlargement.
This is far from the truth, he said, adding that the Netherlands advocated the option of not rushing membership talks, but having candidate countries fully prepare in order to meet all political and other membership criteria.
What we do, we do to the benefit of the Union. The Netherlands fully supports the EU enlargement to countries which have been offered European prospects, including southeastern European countries, the Dutch minister said.