Albania and North Macedonia Start Accessions Negotiations with EU

On July 19, the European Union (EU) began membership negotiations with two Balkan countries, Albania and North Macedonia. There are growing concerns within the EU about Russia’s increased influence in the Balkans. Albania and North Macedonia have already met the essential criteria for EU membership, but it may take several years for the two countries to join as member states successfully.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Prime Ministers Dimitar Kovacevski of Macedonia and Edi Rama of Albania. In a joint press statement with the two countries’ leaders, she said, “What a historic moment.” She added, “The people of Albania and North Macedonia deserve it.”

North Macedonia applied to join the EU in 2004 and Albania in 2009 respectively, and EU member states agreed to start negotiations the year before last.Neighboring Bulgaria opposed the North Macedonia’s accession, because of the way North Macedonia treated the Bulgarian minority. This month, North Macedonia accepted a proposal to resolve the issue, leading to the cancellation of the final veto.Russia’s war in Ukraine has raised the EU’s concerns. The strategic importance of the Western Balkans has increased. Within weeks, the EU gave Ukraine and Moldova candidate status, a prerequisite for negotiations to join the EU.Inside the EU, there have been growing fears that Russia will have more significant influence in the Balkans. However, to join the EU, Albania and North Macedonia need to meet the EU’s high standards in many areas such as politics, economy, and justice. It could take years.