European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced the official start of EU accession talks with Albania and the Republic of Northern Macedonia during Slovenia’s EU presidency in the second half of this year. This was stated by Von der Layen at a press conference after a meeting of the College of Commissioners of the European Commission and the Government of Slovenia, which took over the presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months today, TASS and BTA report.
The European Commission fully supports the countries of the Western Balkans on their European path, and we are also committed to progress on the path to EU enlargement, including the official start of accession talks with Albania and Northern Macedonia, the European Commission President said.
The Slovenian Foreign Ministry has identified among the priorities of the Slovenian presidency assistance to the countries of the Western Balkans on the path to their European integration and the start of EU accession talks with the Republic of Northern Macedonia and Albania, TASS notes.
Meanwhile, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Matthew Palmer is attending the first International Conference of the Prespa Dialogue Forum, MIA reported.
“We are disappointed that the issue of convening the first intergovernmental conferences for Northern Macedonia and Albania has not been resolved, despite strong advocacy and sensible decisions by the Portuguese presidency and strong European partners,” he said.
Palmer stressed that this also affects US and EU investment in the region and contributes to increasing skepticism in the region itself.
Our geopolitical rivals are aggressively trying to undermine trust in the United States and the European Union, and the region itself doubts our collective commitment, Palmer said.
He stressed the importance of the historic Prespa Treaty between Northern Macedonia and Greece and the Treaty of Good Neighborly Relations with Bulgaria, which he said were examples of greater regional engagement of Northern Macedonia for the benefit of its citizens.
“The government of Northern Macedonia is focused on implementing the necessary political and economic reforms, attracting quality investment and playing an active and productive role in regional and economic initiatives. The government is using its strong partnership with Greece to ensure its own energy security and we are now on the verge of doing much more than ever before, “Palmer said.
The international conference within the Prespa Dialogue Forum is being held today and tomorrow in Ohrid and Oteshevo with the participation of about 300 representatives from Europe and the United States, including prime ministers, presidents, ministers, MEPs, and civil society representatives.
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