The Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok talks about the negotiations with Albania. He has stated that there is still a long way to Albania and that the Netherlands keeps the EU doors closed for Albania.
"The government is not interested in the accession negotiations between the European Union and Albania. While about North Macedonia the door is open. This was made clear by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stef Blok.
According to him, good steps have been taken in Macedonia. The MPs sought to clearly learn about the stance of the Netherlands for launching the negotiations and the ministry was cut-clear.
"But they are not there yet. There is still something to be done in the area of rule of law and the fight against corruption."
The European Commission says the EU should begin accession talks with these countries.
According to Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn, the reforms that have been implemented here need to be rewarded.
MPs wanted to hear a 'yes' or 'no' from the minister about the decision to expand with these two countries.
"The engagement is not clear," Pieter Omtzigt (CDA) said.
Blok thought it was quite clear. According to him, no decision can be taken in the EU if all member states take a predetermined position.
"Then there is nothing on the balance sheet."
The room is divided for expansion. D66, PvdA and GroenLinks want the EU to start accession talks with Northern Macedonia and Albania.
PS and PVV are against. CDA believes Albania is not ready. The party is more positive about the North Macedonia, but has not yet taken a definite stance.
"The government is not interested in the accession negotiations between the European Union and Albania. While about North Macedonia the door is open. This was made clear by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stef Blok.
According to him, good steps have been taken in Macedonia. The MPs sought to clearly learn about the stance of the Netherlands for launching the negotiations and the ministry was cut-clear.
"But they are not there yet. There is still something to be done in the area of rule of law and the fight against corruption."
The European Commission says the EU should begin accession talks with these countries.
According to Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn, the reforms that have been implemented here need to be rewarded.
MPs wanted to hear a 'yes' or 'no' from the minister about the decision to expand with these two countries.
"The engagement is not clear," Pieter Omtzigt (CDA) said.
Blok thought it was quite clear. According to him, no decision can be taken in the EU if all member states take a predetermined position.
"Then there is nothing on the balance sheet."
The room is divided for expansion. D66, PvdA and GroenLinks want the EU to start accession talks with Northern Macedonia and Albania.
PS and PVV are against. CDA believes Albania is not ready. The party is more positive about the North Macedonia, but has not yet taken a definite stance.