MEPs are calling for a “green light” for the accession negotiations in the Council, as they meet the conditions, in the geostrategic light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In the 2021 report on Northern Macedonia, adopted on Wednesday by the Committee on Foreign Affairs, MEPs stress that the formal start of accession negotiations will be an investment in the EU’s credibility, as well as in stability, prosperity and security. reconciliation processes in the Western Balkans.
The report, which assesses the two countries’ progress towards the accession criteria, urges the Council to formally start negotiations with Albania and Northern Macedonia, especially in light of the new geostrategic reality of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It also called on the EU to critically assess the historically significant implications for security, stability and unity on the European continent and in the Western Balkans, and to demonstrate European unity and full political commitment to EU enlargement.
MEPs stress that both countries are meeting the conditions set by the Council, achieving consistent results. They emphasize that the Council has failed to start accession negotiations with the two countries, which has undermined public opinion towards the EU, putting enlargement policy at significant risk as a whole.
Progress of Northern Macedonia
MEPs praise Northern Macedonia for its continued efforts to strengthen the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and the rights of minorities, to fight corruption and organized crime, to reform the public administration and to establish a free media.
The report welcomes the country’s continued commitment to the Euro-Atlantic security framework and welcomes its full alignment with EU foreign and security and defense policy in response to Russian aggression. It also notes the growing risks of economic and energy dependence on China and Russia, and expresses concern about dependence on investment capital loans from China, which make the region vulnerable.
MEPs welcome the political trend towards constructive co-operation between Bulgaria and Northern Macedonia and encourage the two sides to quickly find mutually acceptable solutions to outstanding bilateral issues, so as not to further delay or hinder the start of the accession process.
Statements
The rapporteur, Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew, Bulgaria), said: “Northern Macedonia has shown the best performance in the Western Balkans in the democratic transition and is fully in line with EU foreign policy in the face of the Russian attack on Ukraine. The fact that the country has achieved stable results, we call for the formal start of the long-delayed accession negotiations, I welcome the positive commitment to resolving the outstanding bilateral issues and urge Bulgaria and Northern Macedonia to solution.”
The report was adopted by 66 votes to 4 with 5 abstentions.
More information
Northern Macedonia has been a candidate country since 2005 and the Commission has recommended the start of accession negotiations since 2009. The EU remains by far Macedonia’s largest trading and investment partner and the largest provider of financial support.
Next steps
MEPs will vote on the report at the EP plenary session in Brussels on 18-19 May.
Source: Capital
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