Green light for negotiations? Hahn talks about Albania's hopes

In his earlier statements, something was meant, but in the interview given to the Austrian daily “Der Standard“, outgoing enlargement commissioner Johannes Hahn clearly documents the preference among member states for a North Macedonia advance in the direction of obtaining the most desirable date.

We are still working to get the two countries into negotiations. But it is not secret that the feeling among member states for Northern Macedonia is simply better. The two countries have fulfilled the criteria required by the bloc's members as a condition. Therefore, we have made a recommendation for both of us. However, Northern Macedonia has not only achieved the required reforms, but also the historic Prespa Agreement, and so has the good friendship treaty with Bulgaria. For Albania, unfortunately, in the first plan now are problems like the lack of opposition in parliament, the fact that the government has difficulty maintaining a dialogue, as well as procedures for the dismissal of President”, he said.

Asked how likely Albania gets the green light, the commissioner found it difficult to give a direct answer.

I cannot say for sure, my hope is that all political forces in Albania recognize the seriousness of the situation and understand what they are doing with their behavior. Because the population wants the 80 per cent start of membership negotiations, and that is supported by voters of all parties”, Hahn said.

Hahn underlined on the other hand that if North Macedonia is allowed to open negotiations in October, then this, according to him, will positively affect the entire region.