Hahn: Macedonia is one step ahead of Albania relating to negotiations

Johannes Hahn

 In an interview to the Austrian Der Standard, the EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn has made it clear that Albania is still behind in terms of opening the negotiations. This is because, according to him, the government has problems with the dialogue.

He talked about the situation in the Western Balkans. He praised the government in Skopje, and regarding the opening of accession negotiations with EU, Hahn stated clearly that Albania is behind North Macedonia.

He stressed that even both countries are still working on launching negotiations, it is no secret that the appreciation for North Macedonia is better.

"Both countries have met the criteria required by EU member states as a condition," he continues. "That is why we have made a positive recommendation. But North Macedonia has not only achieved the required reforms, but has also signed the historic Prespa Accord and also a treaty of friendship with Bulgaria.

As for Albania, Hahn points out that problems are at the forefront, since the opposition is not in parliament, the government has difficulties in conducting dialogue and there is currently a procedure for dismissing the President. Hahn said the justice reform was one of the main criteria for assessing Albania's progress.

In the interview, Hahn says one of the opponents of enlargement, France, has begun to change its rhetoric. However, he says he hopes France will change its stance, in addition to the rhetoric.