Ursula von der Leyen(AP /Virginia Mayo)
The president of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen, stated in Brussels on Dec. 4 that the EU should convey a clear message to the Western Balkan countries, about wanting them on its side, adding that she believed the reform of the EU was possible to carry out parallel with the enlargement process.
Commenting on the consequences of blocking the opening of accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania, Von der Leyen recollected that she had so far pointed out on several occasions that she believed the decision was a strategic mistake.
"Strategically viewed, I believe it is absolutely important to signal to the Western Balkans, as clearly as possible, that we want them on our side and that we are very interested in their approaching the EU," Von der Leyen stated at a news conference after the first meeting of the collegium.
The president of the European Commission said North Macedonia and Albania had fulfilled all the EU's conditions and that it was important that "the EU also adheres to the idea of opening the accession negotiations."
She added that France's request for a revision of the accession procedure was "also legitimate" and that all proposals should be heard.
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