Germany lags against border change

The exchange of territories or changing borders does not affect stability in the region, says German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in exclusive interview with Addelheid Feilcke, on the eve of his visit to the region.

Deutsche Welle: The rejection of the promised start of accession talks with northern Macedonia and Albania is a bitter moment for the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU. But also for Germany, which has committed much to the Western Balkans through the Berlin Process, supporting the start of talks on both countries. You are now going to Skopje to express German solidarity to the region. What exactly will you offer there?

Heiko Maas: For Germany it's clear: The Western Balkan countries are an integral part of Europe, and their future is in the European Union. A significant part of EU countries support the start of accession talks with Albania and Northern Macedonia, because that is also in our strategic interest. But on this issue we need unanimity within the EU, and to achieve that we are working. Germany is struggling with all its strength to achieve a common position in the EU, so that accession talks with Albania and Northern Macedonia start soon. I once again want to make this thing clear in Skopje.

It does not seem that France, President Macro, and other enlargement opponents intend to change their mind. What is your strategy for the Western Balkans if the EU continues to block enlargement? What will Germany do?

Heiko Maas: The strength of the European Union exists in the fact that in the end we always find a solution, even when topics are difficult. I'm sure we'll make it this time. President Macron has explained that along with the continuation of reforms in Albania and North Macedonia, the necessary is reforming the EU enlargement process. For this we will hold intensive talks in the EU next week.

But, at the same time, Albania and Northern Macedonia must continue without stopping the reform process in order to achieve further successes. Especially now must the remaining skeptics be convinced through success. Germany will commit to supporting the Western Balkan countries on their path towards the EU.

What do you expect Albania and Northern Macedonia to do in this difficult situation? Because ultimately the <x0...

Heiko Maas: I want to encourage northern Macedonia and Albania, as well as other countries in the region to proceed with consistency to reform course for another reason: Reforms do not only serve to draw close to the EU, they are important because they benefit people. Strengthening the rule of law, determined fighting corruption and organised crime are the main tasks of any government, which wants the future of its country. The opposition also bears responsibility. Political competition and competitive ideas, which are common and necessary in democracy, should not paralyse the country's development.

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev had linked his political fate to the start of accession talks. The country now stands ahead of early parliamentary elections. Largest Opposition V Party MRO- The DPMNE, which openly rejects the Prespa Agreement, has received many points in the prognosis. Does that mean this party will cancel the deal if it comes back to power? What will you do to prevent this from happening?

Heiko Maas: The Prespa deal is rightly called historic agreement. Northern Macedonia and Greece dismiss a conflict with it that lasted nearly three decades. The agreement opened the door to North Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic approach. So the two countries turned into an example for the wider region. They showed that even conflicts, thought to be inconsistent, can be solved by leadership, courage, and foresight, and that difficult compromises are possible. Soon we will welcome Northern Macedonia as the 30th NATO member. A hurdle on the road to the EU was thus removed. I can't imagine anyone could destroy this opportunity, because at the international level, North Macedonia would thus become blind.

As satisfied as Germany is for the Skopje reform process, it is difficult to reach a consensus as far as Albania is concerned. It has been a year since Albania is in deep crisis in domestic politics, the solution of which does not seem to come: The opposition boycotts parliament and seeks new elections. Reforming the election law is one of the conditions Germany has set for Albania to open EU accession prospects... but no movement is seen in this area. Should the positive decision made for Albania be corrected?

Heiko Maas: Our decision to support accession talks with Albania was fair. It was also recommended by the EU Commission. It is also clearly formulated what is still expected of the reforming steps that must be taken.

Reform in the field of justice, with which Albania is showing a good example in the region, is on track. It is important that all now contribute to the Constitutional Court's start without delay. Reforming the election law will also be discussed with all political forces and civil society. We are sure that for reforms dealing with recommendations from O SBE/ ODIHR can reach agreement without wasting time. Parliament is the place where political confrontations develop. Now, constructive proposals and serious co-operation are needed in the interest of Albania and its citizens.

Wouldn't it be better for Albania and Northern Macedonia to be treated separately?

Heiko Maas: In the accession process, each country is tried according to the work it has done. In view of successful reforming steps, the European Commission ruled that in 2018 Albania and Northern Macedonia have met the conditions for starting negotiations. So the Commission recommended that accession talks begin with both countries. In May 2019, the Commission reiterated assessments and recommendations. The Syrian government sent its assessments to the European Commission and asked the Council for the start of accession talks with the two countries. This is still our attitude.

After the last EU summit, many say the EU did not keep its promises and that EU enlargement does not have support. So it's started talking about new concepts for the region as mini-Sengen, Norwegian model, etc. How do you evaluate these other alternatives to EU integration?

Heiko Maas: We don't see any other options besides the EU accession process if we want to maintain the interest in serious and sustainable reforms, such as in the field of the legal state. Can the existing process be improved? It's another matter.

Improving regional co-operation complements the EU accession process. Strengthening neighbourly relations and economic co-operation are in favour of each of the six Western Balkan countries. They make the Western Balkans generally more interesting. With the Berlin process, we've been supporting these efforts for years and we've achieved a lot, like we've created the regional youth organisation RYCO, and we've practically reduced the rates for roting.

While the EU is divided and paralyzed when it comes to the Western Balkans, thus losing credibility and radiation force, the US is becoming even more active. The idea of exchanging territories between Serbia and Kosovo has returned to the table. What is Germany and Europe doing against this, and how do you assess Russian engagement in the region?

Heiko Maas: The European Union supports the prospect of a life of freedom, security and relative prosperity. No one offers another model to compete with this model. In addition, the EU is the largest donor in the region with billions of aid and numerous advisory information. In addition to the European level, Germany engages hundreds of millions of dollars in bilateral co-operation.

As for the idea of exchanging territories or changing borders between Kosovo and Serbia, we do not think it contributes to stability in the region. What we support is the quick rephiilization of the EU-brokered dialogue, aimed at a comprehensive agreement that enabled the two countries to approach the EU.

We want a constructive co-operation with Russia, even if we have differences of viewpoint. We also understand that it is important to preserve good relations and cultural ties. This is not contrary to EU membership. /DW