German Minister: Albania, MV meet conditions, now EU turn

The European Union has said its word, Albania and Northern Macedonia have met the conditions set by Brussels and they belong to Europe, so it is fatal to leave space for other actors like Russia, China or Turkey, German Minister for European Affairs Michael Roth said in an opinion of the newspaper” Welt”.

” Yes, we must reform the European Union. But the delayed deepening of the EU is not in contrast with its enlargement. A larger European Union, which is at the same time more capable, sovereign and more democratic, can create more security for its people.

Therefore, the outgoing president of the EU Commission, Juncker, is quite right when he says” is a historic mistake that EU leaders rejected on 18 October the green light for the planned inclusion of membership talks with Northern Macedonia and Albania”.

This failed because of the required unanimity. Postponing a positive vote caused a surprise both in the Balkans and the EU, because the EU adheres to words.

The two countries have met the conditions set by the EU. The European Commission has long confirmed this in its” reports, the union said.

Fulfilling all conditions in the Western Balkans for peace, reconciliation and democracy should be our main goal, because the region is not the backyard of the European home. That's the garden in the heart of the house! The stabilisation and connection of the region is in immediate European and German interest.

When the EU turns its back on the Western Balkans, it leaves space for other actors, such as Russia, China or Turkey, where their main interest, of course, is not the strengthening of democracy and the rule of law.

A positive decision would send the necessary signal, under which the EU is serious about its responsibility for all of Europe and the prospect of accession for the Western Balkans.

The bloc would assess the fact that Albania and Northern Macedonia have done excellent work and have constantly promoted reforms. In both countries, the population and governments have experienced much longer and again that they are willing to make painful compromises for approaching the EU.

The repeated change undermines the EU's credibility. In the region, it empowers those forces that have no interest in reform and progress. Northern Macedonia Prime Minister Zaev has already announced his resignation and new elections for the month of April. There is the danger of a return to nationalism and outbreak of old wounds and ethnic conflicts.

The EU must do its homework! The fact that the start of EU accession negotiations with Albania and Northern Macedonia has recently failed due to individual resistance is a bitter obstacle. But it would be wrong to hide our heads in the sand.

In the spring of 2020, this topic must come back to the agenda of EU heads of state and government. Then we certainly need to explain that we stick to the prospect of accession. Further delays would be irresponsible.

Meanwhile, Northern Macedonia and Albania must continue their reform efforts. That's the best signal for all skeptics. At the same time, we must do our homework with the EU and clarify how to exceed the reserves of member states.

The EU, long ago, has drawn its lessons from early giving of green light in previous rounds of enlargement. We have revised the methodology of accession processes and now we focus a lot on democracy and the rule of law.

In the coming months, it is important to further intensify co-operation with the two countries. The EU is not sufficiently visible in the Western Balkans. The new EU Commission must make the region a top priority!

We can help those with experts to advance the necessary reforms. As part of the Berlin process, we should be even more involved and invest more in regional co-operation”, German Minister for European Affairs Michael Roth concludes in an opinion of the”Day Welt”.