After Germany, the Spanish presidency of the EU has also criticized Athens for its blocking attitude towards Albania in the European integration process due to the Beleri case. Diplomatic sources quoted by the Greek newspaper KATHIMERINI say that the Spanish presidency of the union is "particularly irritated" with the Greek side. 

Days ago, the German chancellor Olaf Scholz reminded the official Athens unequivocally that the process of Albania's membership should not be blocked by a bilateral issue, which Greece does not call such, but a violation of human rights. 

According to the Kathimerini newspaper, EU officials are expected to discuss this issue with the Greek side, while today the issue will be the topic of discussion at the meeting of the permanent representatives of the EU, after Albania successfully completed the first phase of EU membership negotiations (screening process) last Friday after 14 months of consultation. 

Referring to the writing of the Greek media, intensive diplomatic consultations are taking place for Athens to sign so that Albania can start negotiations for the first group of EU membership chapters. 

According to Kathimerini, even if they sign for the unblocking of this phase, Athens is considering the possibility of "blocking" the next phase of the relevant process, which includes a report that describes the fulfilment of all criteria by the official Tirana, the permanent report says otherwise of membership, as well as the calling of a relevant intergovernmental conference. 

On November 11, Greece decided not to join the other EU member states in fulfilling the European Commission's request for the opening of negotiations for the first three group-chapters. These chapters are among the most important as they deal with democracy, the functioning of democratic institutions and public procurement.