The European perspective of Western Balkan countries is only theoretically provided on a paper but not in practice, says Gerald Knaus, chairman of Berlin-based think-tank -- European Stability Initiative (EIS).

Macedonia has been an EU membership candidate country for five years and is still in the waiting room, Serbia's candidacy has been frozen without an explanation, Kosovo has no European perspective until being recognized by all EU members, while Bosnia/Herzegovina cannot acquire a candidate status before closing of the High Representative Office, Knaus says in an interview with 'Deutsche Welle' ahead of the Balkan tour of German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle.

Germany has been sending opposite signals lately, crowned by a statement of the ruling Christian Democratic Union at the European Parliament, which advocates longer enlargement recess after Crotatia's admission to the EU, Knaus says.

Hence, Westerwelle should at least reaffirm the German support of the European perspective of all Balkan countries, say that the criteria are harsh but those that are going to meet them will not be banished from the waiting room but get fair treatment, Knaus says.

Westerwelle will tour the Balkans this week to promote a peaceful resolution of the Kosovo issue and reforms sought by the European Union, his spokesman said Monday.

The three-day trip will begin Wednesday in Croatia, continue in Serbia and Bosnia Hercegovina on Thursday and wrap up in Kosovo on Friday, Andreas Peschke told a regular government news conference.

"The foreign minister will underline the great importance of security and stability in the Western Balkans for Europe as a whole on the trip, in the context of the European perspective that the German government sees for the entire region," Peschke said, referring to bids to join the European Union.