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In an interview with DW, the chairman of the EU Committee in the German Bundestag, Anton Hofreiter, explains why the enlargement process should be accelerated.
Deutsche Welle: Some Albanian politicians have recently come to you to ask for Germany’s support in opening membership talks with Albania and northern Macedonia. How can you persuade EU skeptics to drop their blocking stance?
Anton Hofreiter: It is important in these difficult times to ensure that the European Union becomes stronger and more stable and that the whole of Europe becomes stronger and more stable. For this it is important that the prospect of membership of Albania and Northern Macedonia becomes very, very clear. That is why I want this process to finally start and the negotiations to open. I very much hope that this will be possible after the elections in France and I think it is necessary. I have the impression that the EU has begun to understand that the region and Europe will become more stable and stronger if Albania and Northern Macedonia join the European Union.
Last year, the start of membership talks with these countries failed no longer because of France, but because of Bulgaria. At least that was the official explanation. Finally, the Prime Minister of Albania announced that he would apply for the so-called “decoupling”, ie secession from Northern Macedonia. Would this be possible?
It’s possible, but the question is how much does it make sense. When Albania broke away from talks with Montenegro at the time, this did not have a good effect. We now have a new government in Bulgaria and I am optimistic that this government will be able to lift its veto.
Deutsche Welle: What are your arguments for speeding up the process?
Anton Hofreiter: First, the strong pro-European mood that prevails in these countries speaks in their favor. Then, it is good for the countries themselves if they continue with the reforms and progress with the integration in the European Union. And secondly, it is in the interest of the European Union, especially now in the face of the challenges of enlarging and joining other countries, that countries like Albania and Northern Macedonia have a lot to offer: they have interesting people, they have a region with enormous potential, for example in the renewable energy sector, and thus is a win-win situation for all parties.
Deutsche Welle: Now Ukraine is also seeking to join the EU. Is it likely that Ukraine, or another country most at risk of war, will join the EU ahead of the Western Balkan countries that have candidate status?
Anton Hofreiter: I do not think that is likely. But in view of the extermination war in Ukraine, we must also take great care of Ukraine and not forget Moldova and Georgia. The challenges are great. But I believe that they can be mastered, if the EU stays united, if the EU does not think only about the EU members, but also about the European countries and Albania is definitely one of them.
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