Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the German Parliament: ‘Win-win the accession of Albania and Northern Macedonia’

In an interview with DW, the chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the German Parliament Anton Hofreiter believes that the vetoes of France and Bulgaria will be lifted soon.

DW: Several Albanian politicians visited you recently and asked for Germany ‘s support in starting EU accession negotiations with Albania and Northern Macedonia. How can you persuade skeptics in the EU to abandon their negative stance?

Anton Hofreiter: “In these difficult times, we must ensure that the EU, but also the whole of Europe, becomes stronger and more stable. That is why it is important that the accession prospects of Albania and Northern Macedonia take a clear shape. That is why I want to I hope that this will be possible after the French elections, I think it is necessary, I also have the impression that a lot of talks will strengthen the view in Europe that the Western Balkans, “Europe will become more stable and stronger if we accept Albania and Northern Macedonia into the EU.”

DW: Last year, the start of accession talks with these countries failed, not because of France, but because of Bulgaria and its veto on the start of negotiations with Northern Macedonia. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama recently announced that he would call for the so-called “disconnection”, ie the disconnection of the start of joint EU accession talks between Albania and Northern Macedonia. It is possible;

Anton Hofreiter: “Yes. The question is whether this makes sense. It was not positive when Albania” detached “from the goal of joint accession talks with Montenegro as soon as accession talks with Podgorica began. In Bulgaria we now have a new government and I am optimistic that will lift the veto. ”

Ukraine, Tirana and Skopje will not overtake

DW: What are the arguments for speeding up the EU accession process in the Western Balkans?

Anton Hofreiter: “Firstly, there is a strong pro-European climate in these countries. It is also positive for the countries themselves, when reforms continue and EU integration is approaching. Secondly, in addressing the challenge of EU enlargement, countries like Albania and Northern Macedonia has a lot to offer, from fascinating people, areas of interest to huge potential when it comes to, for example, renewable energy sources, so EU enlargement with Albania and Northern Macedonia will be a win-win situation for all parties involved “.

DW: Now Kyiv is also pushing to join the EU. Is it possible for Ukraine or another country threatened by war to join the EU before the Western Balkan countries that have secured candidate status?

Anton Hofreiter: “I do not think it is possible. However, because of the war of extermination against Ukraine, we must turn our attention to this country without forgetting Moldova and Georgia. The challenges are enormous. But I believe that they can be addressed if the EU is united and interested not only in the current member states, but also in other European countries, to which the countries of the Western Balkans clearly belong. ”

Anila Souka

Edited by: Stefanos Georgakopoulos

Source: Deutsche Welle