The Western Balkans remains a test for the durability of the European model for permanent peace. We shall not make Europe Better if we break our promise, said the German State Minister for Europe, Michael Roth in his column that was published today in the German newspaper Die Welt”
“Yes, we have to reform the European Union! But, the delayed deepening of the EU is not contrary to its enlargement. A bigger EU, that at the same time is capable of acting, more sovereign and more democratic, that can provide greater security for its citizens. That is why the President of the EU Commission Juncker is completely right: “It’s a historical mistake” that the heads of EU countries refused to give a green light for the planned start of the accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. The failure is because of the needed unanimity” wrote Roth.
The German Minister said that the EU’s priority goal must be to do everything in the Western Balkans to achieve peace, reconciliation, and democracy. On the contrary, the region will be taken over by Russia, China, and Turkey.
Since the region is not the backyard of the European house. It is an inner yard. The stabilization and the connection of the region are of prime European and German interest. If the EU turns its back on the Western Balkans, it will let go of the region to other players such as Russia, China or Turkey. Their prime interest certainly isn’t the strengthening of the democracy or the rule of the law. A positive decision would have sent the necessary signal: EU is serious in its responsibility towards the whole of Europe and the Western Balkans’ accession perspective. I will acknowledge Albania and North Macedonia for their excellent results and the consequent implementation of the reforms. In both countries, the citizens and the governments, again and again, have been proving that they are ready to achieve painful compromises in order to get closer to the EU” said Roth.
It clarifies that the delay of granting a starting date for North Macedonia and Albania in several turns is blemishing EU’s credibility and is strengthening nationalism.
“The previous several delays are damaging the EU’s reputation. In the region, this strengthens those powers, that have no interest in reforms and prosperity. The President of the North Macedonia’s government Zaev has already announced his resignation and new elections in April. This threatens with the returning of the nationalism and the occurrence of old wounds and ethnic conflicts.
The recent failure of the start of the accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia due to the resistance of several others is a bitter defeat. But, it would be wrong to close our eyes in front of reality. In spring 2020, this subject will again be on the agenda of the heads of EU states. By then, we will have to acknowledge that we shall be keeping up to the accession perspective. Any further delays would be irresponsible” said the Minister of State for Europe and Deputy Foreign Minister.
