Macedonia has to settle the dispute about its name with Greece in order to join the European Union, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in an interview with the Croatian TV (HRT).

All Western Balkan countries had the prospect of joining the EU, depending on compliance with requirements, Merkel said.

"The debt crisis in Europe will not delay the admission of the region's other countries to the EU. If some countries have debts, we will not leave others outside the door. It is important, for example, that Serbia cooperate with Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs a government, Macedonia has to settle the dispute about its name with Greece. All this has to be solved now, but if Greece, Portugal and Ireland have difficulties now, we will not deprive other countries of their prospects," Merkel said.