Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nikolay Mladenov has alerted that the Balkans runs the risk of spreading of an anti-European and nationalistic mood.

Mladenov said that the majority in the Western Balkans, who back reforms and the European perspective of their neighbors, might be replaced by radical, nationalistic and xenophobic people.

He stated for the Bulgarian national radio that such risk exists in Europe as well, but that in the Balkans it represents a threat for peace in the region.

Such a mood in the Balkan region is risky since it may arouse conflicts. The EU accession of Croatia, FYRMacedonia or Bosnia-Herzegovina depends on the situation in each of the countries. However, unless they cooperate and solve open issues together, they will be behind schedule, the Bulgarian foreign minister underlined.