European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday: opening accession negotiations Albanian Y northern macedonia to the community blog and applauded both countries’ long-standing commitments since being granted accession candidate status in 2014 and 2005 respectively.
“What a historic moment. This is your success and the success of your citizens”Von der Leyen assured the prime ministers of both countries at a joint appearance in Brussels, where the Germans praised the reforms these two governments have carried out in recent years, as well as their “resilience” and the modernization of their economies.
Albania and North Macedonia “undertook these changes not only because they are necessary on the way to the EU, but also because they were good for their country and are already producing a better quality of life for citizens.“, Von der Leyen was abundant.
The EU will hold its first this Tuesday Intergovernmental Conference with both countries, Von der Leyen said “we will move forward rapidly” with a review of the acquis communautaire, which will allow Albania and North Macedonia to “accustom them quickly” to rights and obligations, legislation. and agreements International agreements involving EU membership.
Progress will be made with greater coordination in certain areas such as Albania’s entry into the European Civil Protection Mechanism or negotiations on the Frontex agreement with North Macedonia will allow the sending of personnel from this institution to the country.
Von der Leyen assured both prime ministers that the start of negotiations would lead to “increased investments, improved trade links and closer cooperation in key areas”.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala (who holds his country’s six-month presidency of the Council) told his Albanian and Macedonian counterparts that thanks to the “clear decision” of both countries, the whole of Europe will be strengthened, “which has already been put to the test several times.”
“We appreciate that you are fully on the side of European foreign and security policy in the face of Russian aggression. Now more than ever we must be united,” Fiala said. said.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama benefited from his speech. I thank von der Leyen himself or the former German chancellor Angela Merkel in the long process of opening negotiations“absurdly hindered” and affected by the “perfect storm” of the pandemic, war, and the 2019 earthquake.
Macedonian Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski also “welcomed” the start of these negotiations, after his country’s parliament approved a proposal backed by France and negotiated in Brussels to resolve Bulgaria’s membership veto.
Kovacevski described the “open door” as the “biggest achievement” for Macedonian to become the EU’s official language, and his country’s “strategic priority for decades”.