Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec 30
An official with the EU has voiced a concern that the Union is facing a threat of falling apart.
Gunther Oettinger, European commissioner for digital economy and society, said in an interview with German newspaper Bild on Dec. 30 that there is a threat of disintegration of the EU, TASS news agency reports.
"The European Union has learned to overcome the crises. However, there are more and more countries with unstable or populist governments. I am concerned about it," he said.
"For the first time I see a serious danger that the EU could fall apart," Oettinger added.
The commissioner further called for continuing the talks for Western Balkan countries' joining the EU, saying "however, the conditions for accession to the Union have to be strict."
Oettinger also voiced scepticism regarding Turkey's accession to the EU.
"There won't be Turkey's accession this decade and maybe during the next one," he said.