German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Sunday that as far as the European Union is concerned, the countries of the Western Balkans, have clear EU prospects but added that “they still have a long road ahead of them”. Merkel said Germany supports their membership in the EU, “but experience has taught us that when there is not progress before membership, the work after membership is certainly not easier”. “Ultimately, it is up to the countries themselves whether or not they will go quickly through specific phases,” Merkel added.