Angela Merkel expresses her support for Albania towards EU

She said the future of Western Balkan countries is towards Europe. During the speech given in the German Parliament, the Chancellor cited the necessity of opening membership talks with Albania and Northern Macedonia.

“I support the idea of reconsidering the discussion on new procedures for membership in the European Union. After all, we have to tell countries in the Western Balkans that they have the future reliable towards Europe, so we have to start the promised talks. I'm not saying we finish them right away, but it's about Albania and Northern Macedonia, otherwise we'll lose these seats and this would be in our disadvantage”, the German Chancellor in parliament said.

In addition, Merkel spoke of the importance of preserving NATO's North-Atlantic Alliance a few days after President Emmanuel Macron said NATO is experiencing a clinical “clinical death”.

The preservation of NATO today is in our favor more than it was during the Cold War, or at least it is as important as it was during the Cold War, as the foreign minister said. For now, Europe cannot protect itself alone. We're dependent on the North Atlantic Alliance, so it's fair to work for this alliance and take on more responsibilities”

German Chancellor also thanked the Americans for the contribution made to the alliance, even though President Trump has criticised it.