EP: Breaking European promise to Balkan countries ‘strategic mistake’

The blockade by the Netherlands, France, and Denmark against the accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania is a “strategic mistake.” With a large majority (412 votes in favor, 136 against, and 30 abstentions), the European Parliament condemned the decision of the EU leaders in a resolution.

The heads of government decided last week at their summit in Brussels not to give the two Balkan countries the green light. France believes that the EU must first reorganize and improve itself before new countries can be admitted. The Dutch objections were mainly directed at Albania, which, according to The Hague, has not yet sufficiently modernized its government apparatus. There are also doubts about corruption and insufficient crime fighting.

The issue threatens to become a ‘nagging dossier’ in the coming months among the heads of government themselves, and between the heads of government, the European Commission, and the European Parliament. The parliament urges the EU countries to make a new decision at the EU summit in December.

The European Parliament expressed itself as “deeply disappointed by this failure” and “regrets the action of France, Denmark, and the Netherlands.” “This damages the credibility of the EU and sends a negative message. It also makes it attractive for other countries, which may not share the same values and interests as the EU, to strengthen relations with Albania and North Macedonia,” the parliament warns.

EU President Donald Tusk immediately criticized “the few member states” that refuse to agree to open negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania about accession after the EU summit. Tusk referred to France and the Netherlands, which are blocking the start of the procedure. “Personally, I think this is a mistake,” said Tusk.

MEP Tineke Strik (GroenLinks) said that the EU had promised at the time that accession to the EU would bring stability and peace to the Western Balkans. Three countries cannot be allowed to break that European promise, Strik said.