Zbogar: 2025 deadline is too ambitious for Western Balkans states


 The EU Enlargement Strategy with the Western Balkans offers a clear European perspective for all six regional countries, but Brussels will not allow the accession of countries with open issues, said EU Ambassador to Macedonia, Samuel Zbogar on Tuesday.

Regarding the Strategy timeline and the EU accession of new countries in 2025, Zbogar said it was an ambitious date, not a deadline, but a potential deadline that needs to be seen as an encouragement for countries towards the implementation of required reforms and meeting of criteria.

“Taking into consideration the existing level of reforms and achievements, none of the candidates is prepared for Union accession and things need to change dramatically in each of the six countries regarding the reform process, showing to the member-states there is real approximation to EU standards,” said Zbogar.

He added the Strategy clearly notes that the European Commission is prepared to launch Macedonian accession talks, highlighting the significance of national consensus regarding the country’s European perspective and support to reforms.

Ambassador Zbogar said large progress has been made in the field of reforms in Macedonia in recent months, pointing to the fact that the Commission is prepared to launch talks with the country.

“All stakeholders should take part in these processes, including the opposition and civil society,” said Zbogar.

Regarding good neighborly relations as one of the leading EU principles, the Ambassador referred to the Bulgaria Friendship Treaty as an excellent example of solving open issues initiated by both parties, but also the encouraging renewal of the name talks with Greece.

“It is good to have dialogue. I believe there is atmosphere to solve this problem. We believe the process will be successfully completed. Talks are supported by the EU and they should resume in this direction,” assessed Zbogar.