Percorso:ANSA > Nuova Europa > Politics > EU warns a 'no' to Albania would be huge political mistake
EU warns a 'no' to Albania would be huge political mistake
Commissioner Hahn optimistic on opening talks,but Macron against
10 October, 20:42
(ANSA) - BRUSSELS, OCTOBER 10 - European Commissioner for
Enlargement, Johannes Hahn, is crystal clear on the possibility
that the Member States decide to start negotiations for EU
membership with Macedonia and instead reject Albania's
candidacy. "I will do everything to avoid it, it would be a huge
political mistake", he said to ANSA and a restricted group of
international media one week ahead of the EU summit on 17-18
October.
Still, Emmanuel Macron remains firm in his 'no' to enlargement. The other countries that in the past opposed the positive decision - Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark -, have instead expressed their support, even if they set some conditions for Albania. "Member States often decide for reasons closely related to internal politics, but some informal signals make me be optimistic," Hahn said, pointing out that France has shown a "willingness to find a solution, there is still time to get to an agreement, it is a matter of responsibility and credibility also for the EU".
If only one between Albania and Northern Macedonia will obtain the green light from European leaders "it would be a mess, because it would have an impact on the stability of the whole region, creating a void that others will fill, replacing the EU", Hahn added. The Commissioner claimed to be committed to "explaining to the Member States "the political costs" of yet another negative decision for Albania and North Macedonia.
The opening of accession negotiations for Tirana and Skopje has in fact already been postponed twice in the last two years, the last time was in June this year. The discontent of some EU leaders is mainly directed to Albania, crossed by internal political tensions and not yet in line with community standards in the field of justice and the fight against corruption. The situation is completely different for North Macedonia, which in recent years has succeeded in restarting the economy and signing two historic agreements on long-standing bilateral disputes with Greece and Bulgaria.
"Opening EU talks now would be the right recognition for two countries that delivered on what we asked them to, and would represent a signal of change for the whole region," Hahn explained, recalling that "the entry into the EU would not occur overnight, it is a process that takes time and is merit-based".
The two countries that will then have to demonstrate to Brussels to deliver on a series of commitments involving society, economy, justice, and politics.
In recent months, Macron has repeatedly reiterated its opposition to an enlargement of the EU until there are some changes within it, "but I believe that the two processes must be carried out in parallel and, during his visit to Belgrade before the summer, also Macron changed line", concluded Hahn, noting that "all EU countries should keep in mind that they belong to a community ".(ANSA).
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Still, Emmanuel Macron remains firm in his 'no' to enlargement. The other countries that in the past opposed the positive decision - Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark -, have instead expressed their support, even if they set some conditions for Albania. "Member States often decide for reasons closely related to internal politics, but some informal signals make me be optimistic," Hahn said, pointing out that France has shown a "willingness to find a solution, there is still time to get to an agreement, it is a matter of responsibility and credibility also for the EU".
If only one between Albania and Northern Macedonia will obtain the green light from European leaders "it would be a mess, because it would have an impact on the stability of the whole region, creating a void that others will fill, replacing the EU", Hahn added. The Commissioner claimed to be committed to "explaining to the Member States "the political costs" of yet another negative decision for Albania and North Macedonia.
The opening of accession negotiations for Tirana and Skopje has in fact already been postponed twice in the last two years, the last time was in June this year. The discontent of some EU leaders is mainly directed to Albania, crossed by internal political tensions and not yet in line with community standards in the field of justice and the fight against corruption. The situation is completely different for North Macedonia, which in recent years has succeeded in restarting the economy and signing two historic agreements on long-standing bilateral disputes with Greece and Bulgaria.
"Opening EU talks now would be the right recognition for two countries that delivered on what we asked them to, and would represent a signal of change for the whole region," Hahn explained, recalling that "the entry into the EU would not occur overnight, it is a process that takes time and is merit-based".
The two countries that will then have to demonstrate to Brussels to deliver on a series of commitments involving society, economy, justice, and politics.
In recent months, Macron has repeatedly reiterated its opposition to an enlargement of the EU until there are some changes within it, "but I believe that the two processes must be carried out in parallel and, during his visit to Belgrade before the summer, also Macron changed line", concluded Hahn, noting that "all EU countries should keep in mind that they belong to a community ".(ANSA).
