If tensions develop on the border between Macedonia and Greece over the refugee crisis, it is likely to reflect on the name issue, said EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, at today’s conference in Brussels entitled “Balkan Partnerships – Strengthening relations in the region” .
“Do not underestimate the internal political crisis which needs to be overcome in FYR Macedonia. One reason why the situation in the country is the way it is, is because Skopje has had candidate status since 2005 and was never promoted to the next step, negotiations. The name dispute is common knowledge, and now we are seeing that the new Greek government are more open towards working on a possible solution and I support that. However, the fear is that if there are major tensions between the two countries because of the border, it could have an impact on many positive recent actions to overcome the political stalemate which has lasted for years. Particularly as Commissioner for Enlargement, I have an interest that this border remain viable”, stressed Hahn.
