Borrell: This is a moment of awakening for Europe, to start formal negotiations with RS Macedonia and Albania
This is a moment of awakening for Europe, a moment when the enlargement process with the countries of the Western Balkans should be revived. I know you have certain expectations and rightly so. "We should start formal negotiations for the accession of Northern Macedonia and Albania as soon as possible and I hope that this will be possible at the next intergovernmental conference," the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission said in Skopje today. Joseph Borrell.
After the meeting with the Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski, Borrell stressed that Northern Macedonia and the entire region are a strategic priority and the EU is committed to making the European perspective a reality for these countries.
Borrell welcomed the new momentum between Northern Macedonia and Bulgaria, stressing that he urges both sides to find mutually acceptable solutions and resolve bilateral issues because "enlargement cannot continue if it is hampered by bilateral issues".
- In parallel, Northern Macedonia's reforms in the rule of law, the fight against corruption, digital transformation and the green agenda will enable rapid progress towards negotiations. "All actors should work together to advance the European reform agenda as the fastest way for the country to move forward on the European path," the senior European official said.
Borrell welcomed Northern Macedonia's position on the Russian-Ukrainian dispute, backing sanctions and condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
- The decision to comply with the restrictive measures, clearly shows your commitment to EU values and puts you on the road to Europe not only as a candidate for membership, but also as a responsible member of the international community because what we are talking about is a moral choice, and no choice due to calculations. "I am sure you are solving this on the basis of moral principles," Borrell said.