Roth: Germany gives green light to Macedonia

Michael Roth, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, said Tuesday that Berlin is prepared to give the green light for the start of Macedonia and Albania’s EU accession talks.

“The German government is ready to support Albania and Macedonia on their way towards the EU. We are ready to give the green light and I would like to encourage our friends, the Netherlands and France, to join us,” Roth told reporters prior to the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg.

Asked if he expects the decision to be taken today, Roth says he is not quite sure, but hopes for it and remains an optimist.

“Stability, peace and democracy in the Western Balkans plays a crucial role for all of us in the European Union. We highly appreciate the efforts that both countries have undertaken to strengthen the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption,” underlined Roth.