(ANSA) - SOFIA, MAR 1 - ''Currently none of the Western Balkan countries meet all the requirements to become a member of the EU, although they have made considerable progress towards this end. We must work together and fight effectively against organized crime and corruption that destroys society'', said today in Sofia the EC President Jean-Claude Juncker at a joint press conference with Bulgaria's prime minister, Boyko Borissov, at the end of the European Commission delegation meeting - which included the deputy president and High Representative for the Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Johannes Hahn - with the Bulgarian authorities and the leaders of the six Western Balkan countries.

''The accession to the EU of the Western Balkan countries could take place, if all the requirements are met, possibly in 2025'', said Juncker. Bulgaria's premier Boyko Borissov, who holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council, said that the countries of the region rely heavily on the EU's support. The current visit of the EU delegation to Bulgaria took place at the end of a tour of the countries in the region, which began on February 25, with the aim of reaffirming the European prospect of the Western Balkan countries. Juncker and Hahn visited Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo. During the last stage in Pristina they were joined by Mogherini.

(ANSA).