Netherlands opposes rapid enlargement of EU

ATHENS

The Netherlands repeated its opposition to the rapid enlargement of the EU, media reports said Thursday.

“It's not a question of when countries will be ready, it's a question of whether countries are ready,” said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, referring to recent reports that Western Balkan countries, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia are supported by some EU member states in their quest for membership by 2030, according to the public broadcaster NOS.

Accession is a very difficult process, he said, noting there are thousands of conditions that should be met.

In addition, more members would make the Union’s decision-making process even more complicated, said Rutte.

He said accession could have major consequences for what current members have to pay the EU.

"Can we continue on this scale to help countries with their lagging economies? I don't think so," he said.