Hahn: Extreme disappointment over Albania's opening negotiations

Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn named it “an extreme disappointment”, failure to reach agreement between the leaders of EU countries for opening negotiations with northern Macedonia and Albania.

European Union leaders failed to implement their commitment to open negotiations with Northern Macedonia and Albania at the European Council”, Hahn said.

This, Hahn added, “is an extreme disappointment. The EU must now clarify how serious their commitment to the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU” is.

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“Sic already said in Luxembourg: This is not a moment of praise for the EU. Rejecting recognition of the proven progress will have negative consequences, including the risk of destabilising the Western Balkans, with full influence in the EU”, Hahn said.

It is our responsibility now to stay with countries whose citizens are justly disappointed at the maximum”, Hahn said. He said that, “will continue to do everything in my power to support them. The EU integration of the Western Balkans is and remains an important strategic policy, in our mutual interest”.