(ANSA) - LJUBLJANA, SEP 10 - "Some countries in the Western Balkans have been waiting for many years, some have even been applying to join the EU for a full 20 years. Thinking that the last country admitted was Croatia, 12 years ago, gives an idea of how there has been an unjustified pause on the enlargement process, which needs to be accelerated as much as possible. There are countries that are crucial to complete Europe. They are also fundamental for the strategic plan, for our defense, for our economic and internal security, for the fight against terrorism and human traffickers." President Sergio Mattarella said speaking from Ljubljana on the first leg of his visit to Slovenia. (ANSA).