German Minister Pushes for Albania’s EU Accession Talks
German Minister of State for Europe at the German Foreign Ministry, Michael Roth has underlined Tuesday that time has come for Albania’s and North Macedonia’s European Union negotiation to launch.
In a media statement, Roth has underlined that the Union should not delay, or else its gap will be filled by other countries such as Russia or China.
Focusing on the Russian invasion, Roth said the EU should take more responsibility for peace in Europe, but the war in Ukraine will not hamper the negotiation process with Albania and North Macedonia.
“I am very grateful that I welcomed my friends from Albania and that they gave me the opportunity to emphasize the clear and credible European perspective for Albania and other countries of the Western Balkans.
I am not very happy with the latest developments because the European Union has lost credibility in the region. It is time to start membership talks with Albania and North Macedonia as soon as possible. This is my message not only to our friends and partners in Albania, but also to our friends and colleagues in Brussels and I hope that with the French Presidency of the Council we have a real opportunity to keep our promises again.
We are aware of the important positive developments in the region, as everyone knows that much remains to be done, but Albania is ready. For the EU, a clear and credible European perspective for the countries of the Western Balkans is not only in the interest of the countries of the Western Balkans, but also in our interest because the European perspective is one of the most attractive mechanisms for stabilization, peace and democratization. region and these countries, in particular Albania belong to the EU. For this reason, I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to hold very productive talks with colleagues honored by the Albanian parliament.
The war in Ukraine is a very, very big tragedy and she stresses that the EU must take more responsibility for peace and stability across Europe. It means not only in Eastern Europe but also in the Western Balkans. This is an obligation for us. And if we forward an invitation to Ukraine does not mean that we are no longer interested in continuing our relations with Albania and other Western Balkan countries”, stressed the German Minister.