Johannes Hahn: "things have to change."

Euronews: Mr Hahn, how will you convince some EU countries such as Denmark, Hungary or United Kingdom, to participate more in the solution of this crisis, to participate in a common European response?

Johannes Hahn: I believe that recent events, such as the human tragedy of the people who died in a truck in Austria, and the dead in the Mediterranean â€" all this created the understanding, and also a public attitude that helps to act in a coordinated manner and in tandem. Whether we like it or not, I think this also convinced the national politicians. All politicians at the Vienna Summit expressed the opinion that the correct answer is a European response.

Euronews: Participants at the Vienna Summit on the Western Balkans have acknowledged, that the European Union must give more attention to the migration route of the Western Balkans. Specifically, what does that mean?

Johannes Hahn: firstly, we must acknowledge that the number of refugees coming to Central Europe through the roads of the Western Balkans increased significantly since June, when we have six times more refugees arrived by these pathways. I say this because it is not a problem in the Western Balkans. The countries of the Western Balkans are just countries of transit. There is a common interest in the approach and solution of this issue. And that is why the European Union has made money. We just announced that we will provide one and a half million euros to Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia so that, firstly, can offer help and shelter to refugees. But it is also important to stabilize the external borders. To deal with the refugee issue when they try to reach Europe, to be clearer about whether someone can, facrto, obtain asylum or not.

Euronews: the Western Balkan countries already have many internal problems. Believes that the consequences of this migration crisis will further delay their trek to Europe?

Johannes Hahn: so far, I don't think so. If we take into account all the Western Balkans Summit discussions and preparatory work in the period that preceded, for a European perspective, expressed not only by the participants at the Summit but also on the findings. But things have to change. It has to do with changing social conditions, the social environment, it has to do with the development of the economy. We have to deal with various subjects in order to prepare the countries to become members of the European Union. But, clearly, this Summit showed how the European family is interested in having this part of Europe as a member of the European Union as soon as possible.

Euronews: the European Union also has many refugees from the Western Balkans. Thinks it's a good idea to give them work visas so that they can work in the European Union?

Johannes Hahn: I think it's something that has to be discussed with all Member States. Also here, according to my point of view, individual solutions are not the best solutions. Because I think that this would create another type of separation that wouldn't help anything. So we have to resolve these problems, discuss these problems. But I think most people, in my experience at least 80 percent of people, like staying in the room where he was born. The move to another place is as the second best option. Therefore, the focus should be made on the development of the economy of the region. Part of the population has excellent education and qualifications. They should have the opportunity to develop their activities in the region.

Euronews: the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Junker, about a year ago, said that he saw another enlargement over the next 5 years. Do you think was the message correct policy for the Western Balkans?

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