SkopjeDiem Macedonia in English
On Monday, Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi presented the revised enlargement methodology to the European Parliament. As he said, the Commission stands by the recommendations to open accession negotiations with Skopje and Tirana “and we hope that these can be opened before the Western Balkan summit in Zagreb.” According to him, a priority of the Commission is to accelerate progress in the Western Balkans. Varhelyi believes that the changes proposed by the Committee several days ago provide for clearer requirements for candidates and clearer consequences when there is no progress. “We are convinced that any further postponement would entail a strong risk, undermining stability in the entire region. We would also risk further manipulation by third country actors and others offering false alternative narratives,” the Commissioner added. He called on the EU to treat its Western Balkan partners more and more as future Member States. The EPP Group supported the changes proposed by the Commission. It hopes the two countries will get a date before May. The Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists welcomed the EC over the proposal, which aims at avoidance of further stagnation in relations with Skopje and Tirana. According to it, a new delay in terms of a date for the two countries would compromise long-lasting reforms. The Renew Europe Group supported the changes, but called for new failure not to be allowed. The Identity and Democracy Group, however, didn’t support the EC. It believes that Albania is faced with corruption, crime, and a lack of democratic culture.
