"We call on the EU Heads of State that will gather at the Summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday to take the responsibility and finally act", MEPs from the Socialist and Democrats agreed.
Tonino Picula, S&D coordinator in the committee on foreign affairs, said today:
“The S&D Group has always been a staunch supporter of EU enlargement towards the Western Balkans, as we believe the EU itself will benefit from a stable and prosperous region. The decision on starting negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania is primarily about the credibility of the EU. The leaders, when they meet this week, should also consider the consequences of their inability to come to an agreement and what this means to the stability of the Western Balkans countries that have, so far, been pursuing positive and required reforms as a rational investment that are aimed at ensuring a better future for them.
The EU’s history is the history of enlargement, despite all the internal and external challenges we have faced. As a Social democrat form Croatia, I reiterate our commitment that we will continue to be on the side of the people from the Western Balkans and continue to push for their future in the EU".
"As a Social Democrat from Croatia, I further emphasize our commitment to continue to advocate for the people of the Western Balkans region and their future in the European Union," he concluded.
The European Commission has repeatedly emphasized that both countries have fulfilled the criteria for the start of negotiations and allother obligations that we have put in front of them. According to the Commission, North Macedonia has been ready to negotiate since 2009, and after 27 years, the Prespa Agreement successfully concluded the name dispute with Greece.
