The German Federal Government has agreed to sign the North Atlantic Treaty Protocol for the accession of the Republic of North Macedonia, the German Embassy announced.
“We are convinced that the accession of North Macedonia to NATO will contribute to the security and stability not only in the Euro-Atlantic area and will not only strengthen the transatlantic community, but it will be an important impulse for the further stabilization of the Western Balkans. So, it really is good news for Europe and for the transatlantic alliance,” said German government spokesman Steffen Seibert.
According to Seibert, accession to NATO will happen after all NATO member states have individually submited the information that they have ratified the Accession Protocol.
“For this purpose, in Germany, a Law of Agreement is required. The Federal Government will advocate the speedy adoption of this Law of Agreement. From the moment the Accession Protocol is signed in Brussels, North Macedonia will have ‘observer’ status in the Alliance,” he added.
Seibert explained that the European Council at the earliest in June, 2019, will decide whether EU accession negotiations will begin with North Macedonia, with the basic criteria for a positive decision being visible and sustainable reforms, the fight against organized crime and corruption.
