Hahn: The consequences for both countries and the region could be catastrophic


Johannes Hahn, Member of the EC in charge of European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Johannes Hahn again sharply criticized France’s negative position and the refusal of the EU leaders to open accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania, saying the consequences for both countries and the region could be catastrophic.

Hahn in the interview with APA news agency said that negative decision of EU leaders raises the question whether it is a permanent veto by France for enlargement.

“Honestly speaking after European Council’s decision, we are helpless. However, it should be taken into consideration that 25 states have voted for opening negotiations,” Hahn noted, criticizing the principle of unanimous decision-making in the European Council, which showed to be repeatedly ineffective.

Hahn said that French President Emmanuel Macron wants first the EU to implement internal reforms, which is supported by some other member states. However, Hahn said that this could be done in parallel with the accession process of candidate countries.

“Both will last for years and if we follow the Macron line and go one after the other, in practice it would mean that the prospect of EU membership can become a reality after 30 years. And that would be no prospect or impetus for reform,” he said.

EU Enlargement Commissioner considered that France apparently doesn’t want any EU enlargement at present, while the announcements that this issue would be re-examined during Croatia’s EU presidency is “endless story.”

“You can postpone once and then there may be arguments. It may even be postponed for a second time, as was the case with the deadlines in the German Bundestag in June. However, honestly speaking, there are no arguments anymore, and confidence in the EU on this issue is extremely shaken,” said Hahn.

He also sent message to official Paris that the admission of new member states is not a reversible process, citing the Copenhagen criteria. Negotiations may be suspended, if a candidate country regresses.

Hahn also warned that the EU leaders’ negative decision carries the risk of instability in both countries and entire Western Balkans. The announced early elections in North Macedonia show how sensitive the internal political situation in the countries of the region is. It will also affect the future of dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo and reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina that will lose motivation after the EU’s decision not to open accession negotiations with Skopje and Tirana,” said Hahn.