At a press conference, German MEP Adis Ahmetovic said that there is still room for optimism while adding that the EU should move towards the Western Balkans.

“North Macedonia has done so much to take this next step. They changed the name of the country without conflict. We know the mindset here in the Western Balkans when it comes to identity issues related to language, names, religious beliefs. Again we will have a discussion with Bulgaria because of the language. France has made an effort to reach compromise on a solution, and at first let’s promote this solution. During this week we will go about promoting this solution and convincing North Macedonia, the parliament that this is the right solution. The best thing for Albania and North Macedonia is to walk together on this pathway. So we support both countries going down this pathway together,” he said.

“Both countries deserve this step and for this reason I decided to travel to Albania to convince people of the European Union idea. Albania is part of the EU and you deserve to be part of the EU. It was our mistakes three weeks ago. However, there is room for optimism. You must continue to be optimistic. We must move in your direction because you have done so much. After this visit to Albania I will meet with some members of the North Macedonian government to promote solutions. We can start with technical elements for Albania and North Macedonia. This is a good sign and signal for other countries in the region as well. We need a strong Albania and North Macedonia,” he said.

He emphasized that in the times we are living in, a country should not decide by means of a veto on the future of a region. Therefore, according to him, this principle of EU work must change.
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