Chief Negotiator for Albania’s Accession to the EU Zef Mazi was on an official visit to Slovenia, the country holding the presidency of the EU Council, ahead of several important meetings due.
The main topic during the meeting was pushing forward the integration process with a special focus on holding the Intergovernmental Conference. The Slovenian Presidency has made many efforts, however, the biggest hurdle remains the deadlock between Bulgaria and North Macedonia.
Tirana’s path to the bloc has been linked to that of Skopje, with the latter receiving continuous vetoes from Bulgaria. The deadlock between these countries was also discussed at the meeting, with an emphasis that recent political developments do not give many reasons for optimism. Slovenia noted that it will continue its efforts to push forward the process, and take the necessary steps to resolve disagreements.
The Slovenian Presidency said it is still hopeful that there could be some positive developments in the upcoming three weeks, involving talks with all parties and at all levels, in order to reach the desired outcome.
Ambassador Mazi called on the Slovenian Presidency, and the EU itself, to look at the obstacle coming from Bulgaria strategically and move the process forward.
“In a way or another, if this disagreement continues for a long and undetermined time, the enlargement process must continue, as there is no reason why Albania should be left to wait”, suggested Ambassador Mazi.
The Slovenian Presidency terminates its mandate by the end of December.
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