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Ten former FMs write to EU on Albania, North Macedonia: Europe risks losing strategic clout in Western Balkans

Politiko 11 Nëntor 2019, 15:30

Ten former FMs write to EU on Albania, North Macedonia: Europe risks losing

Ten former Foreign Ministers of the European Union (EU) member states and of the Western Balkans, have expressed in an open letter concern over the refusal to open negotiations with Albania and Northern Macedonia. “Stability, democracy, and prosperity in South-east Europe are directly linked to the consolidation of the European project and the completion of the reunification of our continent with the accession of Western Balkan countries, a process that started 30 years ago. The obstinate opposition to opening EU accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia, despite the recommendation of the European Commission and the will of the vast majority of the member states and European Parliament, has put in jeopardy the EU’s remaining influence on its own doorstep and its ability to shape strategic developments and stability in Southeast Europe.

This is a strategic mistake that helps to consolidate the status quo in Western Balkans and EU inertia in an increasingly messy geopolitical map. The EU’s duty is to contribute to the stability and security of southeast Europe. Therefore it should consider Western Balkans accession to the EU as a responsible policy rather than a burden. Moreover, the opposition to start the accession negotiations with the above-mentioned countries undermines the EU’s authority and credibility. For a region like the Western Balkans, which is struggling to strengthen the rule of law and improve social and economic standards, the membership process into the EU remains indispensable.

However, it is the psychological impact of such talks and the transformative effects that are important for these countries’ feeling of being anchored to the EU. And above all, it is the issue of trust: Back in 2003, in Thessaloniki Summit, EU leaders promised these countries membership. Under the current circumstances, guarantees given by the EU to the countries of the region will no longer matter. Therefore, it will become increasingly difficult to reach compromises, overcome bilateral disputes and unleash positive energy. This is a precursor to domestic troubles in North Macedonia and Albania, which have too long relied on EU to support them,” reads the letter, “We call upon EU to overcome divisions on this point.

The accession process will go on for many years during which there will be enough time to reconcile the need for the EU’s further integration with the need for keeping the European perspective for Western Balkan countries alive. Therefore, the opening of accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania, on the basis of their commitments, is imperative and should be agreed upon at the next EU Summit. At the same time, we call upon EU to present new instruments in the upcoming Zagreb Summit that will consolidate the EU accession path of Western Balkan countries.”