Commission backs EU accession talks for Albania, Macedonia

Both countries told they must continue to ‘work on reforms’ and modernization.

The European Commission on Tuesday backed launching EU accession talks for Albania and Macedonia, recommending that the Council now make a decision.

The Commission said in a statement that both countries had made “progress” in various areas, but added that certain reforms are necessary. For Albania, the Commission said the country needs to go further in addressing rule of law concerns, for example. Macedonia “needs to address remaining challenges” regarding freedom of expression and corruption, which “continues to be a serious problem,” the Commission said.

“A step forward today for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Albania is a step forward for the entire Western Balkans region,” said EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini in the statement.

“Our strategic focus and engagement are delivering practical progress and benefits to the people in the region. The work on reforms and modernisation however needs to continue, in the interest of the partners and the European Union.”

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama praised the Commission’s decision as “an important day in the history of our country.”

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“Over the last two decades, Albania has listened and learned, made mistakes, corrected them and steered deep-rooted change. A lot has been achieved so far, but much remains to be done,” Rama added. “We are reforming our country not only in the perspective of one day becoming a member of the European Union, but more importantly to provide lasting peace, stability and prosperity for our people and all neighbouring peoples.”

Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov said on Twitter that it was a “great day for all Europeans from Macedonia,” adding that “the long journey to make their country a true European democracy has restarted today.”

For Macedonia, a name dispute with Greece has blocked its chances of joining the EU in the past. Athens argues that the name Macedonia represents a territorial claim over Greece’s northern province, also called Macedonia. Skopje recently presented options for a new name with the hopes of ending the conflict.