TIRANA, Oct 18 /ATA/-By Gjergji Mima/ – German Chancellor Angela Merkel acknowledged Friday that the EU leaders failed to make an unanimous decision on possible opening of EU membership negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia, although, as she noted, Albania has made progress.
Merkel voiced her regret the decision, noting that Germany backed formal opening of the accession talks with Albania.
“I deeply regret this decision. Germany’s position was to start the accession talks. Some countries were sceptical. Both the Prime Minister of North Macedonia and Albania will definitely be disappointed,” Merkel said.
The German Chancellor stated that Europe should keep its promises.
“We should definitely keep our promises. We cannot turn our back to these countries after we have made promises,” Merkel said.
“I support President Macron on the need to reform the EU enlargement process,” she said.
“We agreed on certain issues. Germany wants to see EU membership negotiations open with Albania and North Macedonia. North Macedonia has done a lot regarding the accession talks and it has changed the country’s name. Albania has made progress. I think Albania has made great progress, but no unanimous decision was made on Albania’s bid,” she said.
Merkel noted that it was all about opening the negotiations and not EU membership of both countries.
/j.p/u.sh/
