Scholz: Western Balkans Love and Need in the EU

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in Bundestag, understanding the frustration of Western Balkan countries. He said Wednesday afternoon that he is not sure whether the Western Balkans summit with the EU will be held, scheduled for Thursday morning, 23.06. in Brussels.

I'm saying very clearly: I hope the summit is held. According to our information, it's not safe to keep it. And to be honest, that doesn't surprise me. Because when you raise hope, when you put these countries on a road and when you convince them that it's worth walking on the road to the EU, and they make all the effort, they risk political conflicts within the country, even one country, North Macedonia, it changes the name not to be at odds with Greece, then it's consistent that decisionmakers and their citizens express the displeasure that they have<1>

Scholz, however, underlined that if the summit is held, it will not be easy. But for Germany it is important to deploy. Germany is on their side.

Removing the principle of unanimousity

Previously, the Social Democrat had expressed the removal of the principle of unanimity in foreign policy and had said that, like Ukraine and Moldova, who would receive a strong response to their application for candidate status, even the countries of the Western Balkans, deserve a clear answer. This is why it was important for me to visit the region before my trip to Ukraine”, the Chancellor stressed.

Social Democrat politician described in tone and emotional terms unusual for him, the situation in which the Western Balkans is located today, bringing to MPs a impression he had received from his last meeting with Balkan leaders in Thessaloniki.

“has been nearly 20 years since Thessaloniki The EU offered these countries the prospect of membership. I was there a few days ago. And everyone reminded me of how it was decided. Then in Thessaloniki, everyone thought they would be EU members after five or eight years. And this has not been accomplished until now”, the Chancellor said.

He further said the time has come that we love and need the Western Balkans in the European Union. That was my message on my trip to the region. And this will also be the message that should come from tomorrow's EU meeting with the six Western Balkan countries.

Critics Against Bulgaria 

Scholz praised Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, and said he plays an extremely constructive role in talks with Skopje. We know that there is debate today. Because this is what very often makes co-operation in Europe so difficult, that the issue that is based on events that occurred long ago, is suddenly used to confuse everything that brings about a peaceful future. ”

Scholz said he supports the efforts of the French EU leadership, to mediate a compromise, and voiced optimism that Bulgaria will find a solution: “At the end of the day, a stable and prosperous Western European Balkans is in our best interests”

Edi Rama confirms participation

Albania's prime minister, Edi Rama, had earlier warned by means of a Twitter message that the Western Balkan countries have no search for Brussels, if Bulgaria continues to block the start of negotiations with Northern Macedonia. Meanwhile, by means of a Twitter message he had indicated Wednesday that Western Balkan countries will go to Brussels.