Hahn: No solution for bilateral issues, no EU membership

European Commissioner for Enlargement and Social Policy Johannes Hahn declared today in Vienna that without solving bilateral problems there is no membership in the EU.

Hahn, speaking at Macedonia's “New Northern Perspectives of” conference, organised by the Vienna Economic Forum (VEF), has said that North Macedonia is the only country in the Western Balkans that has no disagreements with neighbours, and for that reason it is more stable than other parts of the region.

“I am constantly asked who wants to enter the EU first, and my answer is always the same -- this is a process based on merit, the principle of racing and the speed of access depends on who is faster on this” road, he said.

Northern Macedonia Prime Minister Zoran Zaev explained that the dispute with Greece was resolved in a way that both sides agreed to share a common story.

He voiced hope that this positive example will contribute to dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, and later to resolving the problem in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is very much needed for the entire region.

Zaev said the Republic of Northern Macedonia is a country that opened a dialogue with the opposition to seek a solution to all problems, to build a society in which all minorities participate in building a common life.