On Tuesday 17 September, the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, once again gave his support for the opening of accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania, with varying degrees of enthusiasm. While on tour in both countries, Mr Tusk called on Member States to do their part.
"When the EU leaders met in June, three months ago, they committed to deliver a 'clear and substantive' decision – in October – on whether to open accession talks. We are getting closer to that moment. I have always thought that the EU should open accession talks with both Albania and North Macedonia, in line with the positive recommendations from the commission", he stressed from Tirana.
In Skopje, the President of the European Council recalled that " within the last two years, North Macedonia "has done everything that was expected of it for the EU to be able to launch the negotiations". He described the Macedonian efforts as "remarkable".
And Mr Tusk spared no praises for the Macedonian Prime Minister, Zoran Zaev. Beyond the solution "based on democratic principles, decency and common sense" to the "dramatic" political crisis in the country, the President of the European Council welcomed the treaties with Bulgaria and Greece, which have made the country a "champion of political rationalism and maturity in the region" of the Western Balkans. "These achievements are truly impressive, internationally recognised and should not be wasted by the EU" he said.
Mr Tusk also touched on the migration crisis. "Together, we have resisted one of the biggest migration crises Europe has known since the Second World War. This was a very difficult test for all of us, demanding responsibility and effectiveness of actions. Your country has passed this test better than many EU Member States". he recalled.
The President of the European Council insisted that it be "crystal clear" that the country's political commitment to the rule of law and fighting corruption was "beyond doubt in Brussels". While there is always room to do more, especially in terms of implementation, "we know very well that your government is determined and consistent in this", he said.
In Tirana, the President of the European Council, while less exuberant, claimed that Albania was following the European path. "No one should have the slightest doubt about this. Here in Tirana as well as in all EU capitals", he explained. Mr Tusk said he had discussed with Prime Minister Edi Rama "the importance of your country maintaining a solid track record as regards the rule of law and the fight against corruption and organised crime". "The EU’s obsession with the rule of law – and I would add with ‘reconciliation’ and good neighbourly relations – is part of our DNA and will not go away when you become members", he warned. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)