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"The Netherlands is not opposed to EU enlargement, but countries must be ready like Montenegro when started the negotiations," he said. We do not believe that Albania is ready to start talks with the EU at this time; and as far as North Macedonia, it is closer to that goal."
Asked if 2025 is a realistic deadline for one of the Western Balkan countries to join the EU, Rute replied that the accession to the Union by a certain date is not an purpose in itself.
He added that some did not like the split of Brussels' negotiation process with North Macedonia and Albania.
"Some others do not want it, which is why at the last meeting of the European Council, we decided not to progress in opening negotiations with these countries."
Rute said the Netherlands has nothing against EU enlargement, "but we must make sure we abide by the rules and that everything must be strict and fair."
Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Bloc said at a recent EU Council session that his country would agree to give "green light" only to North Macedonia when that country fulfills its last condition.
As for France, has a condition for the opening of negotiations between the EU and North Macedonia by adopting a new methodology in the negotiation process.
Paris officials say the current framework is too long and too complicated, and that the approach needs to be changed because the current one does not match the real situation in the negotiating countries. However, France has not provided specific information on what the new methodology should cover, and its official launch is expected in the spring of 2020.