Macedonia and Albania want to for years in the EU. For both, the opportunities were never so big as now, said Heiko Maas, and promises of support.
As Macedonia’s EU-membership application has been submitted, Heiko Maas, was just 35 years old, the Albanian request, he was 43. In his 52. Birthday now the German foreign Minister in two countries to visit – and there is momentum in the EU approach. Therefore, Heiko Maas speaks of a “historic opportunity”. For both countries, decides in June 2019, if on accession to the EU will be negotiated.
Heiko Maas attends the two Balkan States, to praise the governments for their efforts of the last few years and to promise support for the other way. The visit program but you recognize the different situation in the two countries. While the German saunters foreign Minister in Macedonia with his counterpart Dimitrov through the old town of Skopje, in Albania, especially in the fight against crime and corruption.
Referendum as a hurdle
In Macedonia, Maas makes advertising for a very important Referendum. Because one of the reasons why Macedonia’s path towards the EU ends up for years in the cul-de-SAC could soon be resolved. For years, Macedonia with Greece, arguing about the country name of Macedonia, and for years, Greece blocked the approach to the EU and NATO. Now, a compromise is on the table, and the Macedonians have to accept.
Heiko Maas (left) and his host, Nikola Dimitrov in Skopje
So Heiko Maas speaks at an event with Macedonians from the “outstretched Hand” that Europe holds out to the small Balkan state: “Actually, you would only have access,” says Maas. As at 30.9. the Macedonians in the Name of Referendum will have for the first Time, the opportunity. But the concern is that not enough Macedonians to participate. Therefore, there is hardly a day without international visitors passes in Skopje. In front of Maas, Minister of defense of Mattis as the evening was US.
EU wants to see progress
Advertising for the Referendum is not everything these days, which is why Heiko Maas and Nikola Dimitrov stop to rave about the common possibilities: making Europe a stronger and more stable with Macedonia, says Maas. “In the EU, it has a lot of friends and supporters”. Dimitrov promises to its citizens prosperity – but also “order and normality.”
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The lack of “order and normality” at the moment, at risk the Chance of accession to the EU. The EU wants to see further progress in the fight against corruption and crime. Therefore, Heiko Maas speaks in Macedonia of the “fixed criteria” and that Macedonia “has to work so hard as in the name dispute” – an automatism but it’s not the message.
Young the EU in the fountain?
It is this message that Germany’s foreign Minister has also to Albania. Further reform steps in the area of rule of law and justice, Heiko Maas, even those in the EU are convinced, “the Harbor might still be concerns”. Concerns in France and the Netherlands, but also in the German Bundestag. Nevertheless, Minister Bushati feels foreign to a lot of German support and even understanding of the skepticism.
For Bushati, build trust, and the “Image” of the States in the Western Balkans as a whole to improve. In Albania you are trying to, among other things, by the so-called Vetting Commission. Here, judges and prosecutors are checked for corruption – for Heiko Maas, a project that sets new standards – “beyond the Region”. Also, he praises the reform achievements in Albania and also speaks here of a “historical Chance”.
The chances of the SPD politician Maas, but not only for Albania and Macedonia, but also for Europe. A kind of fountain of youth could be the two countries with their EU-enthusiasm for dynamic. Perhaps the EU can start negotiations before Maas‘ 53. Birthday. To the 52. Bushati hopes to the German Minister “all the best and much success.” The Maas of Macedonia and Albania also wishes to have a historical Chance.
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