Last night, the heads of states and governments from EU member-states confirmed the decision previously taken by Ministers of Foreign Affairs to open accession negotiations with the Republic of North Macedonia. The decision was made during the video conference that was mainly focused on efforts by EU member-states to cope with the coronavirus crisis. The decision to open membership talks with North Macedonia and Albania was announced as recognition of significant reform efforts by both countries, which have demonstrated strong political will and progress on their path to the EU.
The Joint Statement by Members of the European Council briefly refers to endorsement of the Council Conclusion from 25 March 2020 on the enlargement and stabilization and association process.
Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenkovic, twitted that the decision only proves that the European Union, even under difficult circumstances, remains focused on realization of its priorities. Namely, the opening of accession negotiations with these two countries is among priorities of the Croatian EU Presidency.
This decision tasks the European Commission to draft the proposed negotiations framework, followed by organization of the first intergovernmental conference. The start of negotiations with North Macedonia is not burdened with additional conditions, unlike Albania which needs to deliver series of conditions before the intergovernmental conference.
The decision for unconditional start of accession negotiations with the Republic of North Macedonia comes after 15 years since the country was given the candidate status in 2005. North Macedonia and Albania are the first countries to enter accession negotiations under the EU’s new methodology.