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Summary:
Communication presented on 29 May 2019 by the European Commission which takes stock of progress in the implementation of the EU's enlargement policy up to the end of February 2019. It provides an overview to the 2019 Enlargement Package.
Further information:
This annual assessment presents the progress made in the implementation of reforms in the Western Balkans countries and Turkey - aspiring Member States of the European Union - together with recommendations on the next steps for those countries.
The European Commission notes that partner countries in the Western Balkans made concrete progress and demonstrated commitment to the European perspective, even if the overall uptake of reforms varies. In light of the significant progress achieved and the relevant conditions being met, the Commission recommends that the Council of the European Union opens accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. The Commission also issued its Opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for membership of the European Union.
This assessment also highlights that Turkey continued to move further away from the European Union, with what was seen as serious backsliding in the areas of the rule of law and fundamental rights and through the weakening of effective checks and balances in the political system, brought forward by the entry into force of the constitutional amendment. The previous assessment on progress of Turkey's accession negotiations and underlying reasons still stand.
Individual country reports:
On 18 June, the Council of the European Union adopted a set of conclusions relating to this Communication and the recommendations published in the country reports. While good note was taken of the Commission's recommendation to open accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania, it was also argued that limited time availability and the relevance of the matter did not allow for an immediate follow-up decision. On 3 October, leaders from different EU institutions urged negotiations with the two countries to be launched. On 15 October, the Council of the European Union failed to agree on starting accession talks with the two countries. Media sources highlighted the relevance of France's opposition to accession negotiations. The matter was discussed by the European Council later in the month and again Member States failed to reach an agreement, but also agreed to revisit the issue during the first half of 2020.
On 24 October, the plenary session of the European Parliament adopted a Resolution condemning the rejection by some member states to allow the opening of accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia, highlighting that both countries meet the requirements to start negotiations.
The European Commission published n update to the progress reports concerning Albania and North Macedonia on 2 March 2020. In these documents, the Commission highlights that both countries delivered further tangible progress and re-confirms its recommendation to open accession negotiations. The update covers progress from June 2018 - when the Council first reflected on those proposed negotiations - to date, and builds upon the key findings of the 2019 enlargement package.
The documents were published ahead of a formal decision by the European Council, which was set to discuss the matter later in the year. The Council of the European Union agreed on 24 March with the launch of accession negotiations.
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Related Links |
- Official
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European Commission: Press Release, 29/05/2019: Reforms in the Western Balkans and Turkey: annual assessments and recommendations
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-19-2752_en.htm
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Council of the European Union: Press Release, 18/06/2019: Council conclusions on enlargement and stabilisation and association process
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/06/18/council-conclusions-on-enlargement-and-stabilisation-and-association-process/
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Visegrad Group (V4): V4 Statement on the Western Balkans, 12 September 2019
http://www.visegradgroup.eu/documents/official-statements/v4-statement-on-the-190912
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European Council: Remarks by President Donald Tusk after his meeting with Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, 17 September 2019
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/09/17/remarks-by-president-donald-tusk-after-his-meeting-with-prime-minister-of-albania-edi-rama/
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European Council: Joint letter by Presidents Tusk, Sassoli, Juncker and President-elect Von der Leyen on the opening of accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania, 3 October 2019
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/10/03/joint-letter-by-presidents-tusk-juncker-sassoli-and-president-elect-von-der-leyen-to-the-eu-heads-of-state-or-government-on-the-accession-talks-with-north-macedonia-and-albania/
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Council of the European Union: Press Release, 15/10/2019: Presidency conclusions on enlargement and stabilisation and association process
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/10/15/presidency-conclusions/
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European Parliament: Press Release, 24/10/2019: Failure to open accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia is a mistake
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20191021IPR64717/
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European Parliament: Press Release, 30/10/2019: President David Sassoli to visit Skopje: 'Remain on the European track'
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20191030IPR65407/
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European Commission: Press Release, 02/03/2020: Commission reports on progress made by Albania and North Macedonia
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_347
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European Commission: Press Release, 25/03/2020: Commission welcomes the green light to opening of accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_519
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General Secretariat of the Council: Council Conclusions on Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association Process - the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Albania (25 March 2020)
https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-7002-2020-INIT/en/pdf
- News
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EurActiv, 28/05/2019: Albania’s riotous politics rattle EU dreams
https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/albanias-riotous-politics-rattle-eu-dreams/
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Deutsche Welle, 29/05/2019: Turkish democracy 'backsliding,' EU says in membership report
https://p.dw.com/p/3JSHQ
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Cyprus Mail, 29/05/2019: EU report on Turkey ‘most critical’ since 2005
https://cyprus-mail.com/2019/05/29/eu-takes-turkey-to-task-over-cyprus-in-progress-report/
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Hürriyet Daily News, 29/05/2019: Turkey rejects ‘EU’s unjust criticism’
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-rejects-eus-unjust-criticism-143814
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Reuters, 29/05/2019: 'Backsliding' Turkey's EU bid slips further away: Commission
https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN1SZ1P2
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EurActiv, 29/05/2019: Commission: Turkey has continued to move away from the EU
https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/commission-turkey-has-continued-to-move-away-from-the-eu/
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Politico, 29/05/2019: EU should start membership talks with Albania, North Macedonia: Commission
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-european-union-should-start-membership-talks-with-albania-north-macedonia-commission/
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EurActiv, 29/05/2019: Commission recommends opening accession talks with Albania, North Macedonia
https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/commission-recommends-opening-accession-talks-with-albania-north-macedonia/
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Deutsche Welle, 29/05/2019: EU urged to open more doors to Albania, North Macedonia
https://p.dw.com/p/3JT47
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Euronews, 29/05/2019: EU membership talks should start with North Macedonia and Albania, says Mogherini
https://www.euronews.com/2019/05/29/eu-membership-talks-should-start-with-north-macedonia-and-albania-says-mogherini
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Balkan Insight, 29/05/2019: EC Recommends Accession Talks With Albania, North Macedonia
https://balkaninsight.com/2019/05/29/ec-recommends-accession-talks-with-albania-north-macedonia/
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RFE/RL, 29/05/2019: EU Commission Calls For Start Of North Macedonia, Albania Accession Talks
https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-commission-calls-for-start-of-north-macedonia-albania-accession-talks/29970623.html
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Politico, 30/05/2019: Brussels tries new Balkan push
https://www.politico.eu/article/brussels-balkan-eu-enlargement-new-push/
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BBC News, 30/05/2019: EU sees progress in Albania and N Macedonia membership bids
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-48457542
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France24, 12/06/2019: EU tells Tirana, Skopje membership will have to wait
https://www.france24.com/en/20190612-eu-tells-tirana-skopje-membership-will-have-wait
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EUObserver, 12/06/2019: EU split on Western Balkans accession
https://euobserver.com/enlargement/145128
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Anadolu Agency, 12/06/2019: EU faces disagreements on enlargement policy
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/eu-faces-disagreements-on-enlargement-policy/1502354
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Balkan Insight, 13/06/2019: Merkel Reassures North Macedonia on EU Talks
https://balkaninsight.com/2019/06/13/merkel-reassures-north-macedonia-on-eu-talks/
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Politico, 14/06/2019: The EU’s big Balkan botch-up
https://www.politico.eu/article/north-macedonia-albania-european-union-enlargement-member-state-tusk-juncker/
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EurActiv, 14/06/2019: North Macedonia president: We need date for EU talks before autumn
https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/interview/north-macedonia-president-we-need-date-for-eu-talks-before-autumn/
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EUObserver, 14/06/2019: EU paths fork for Albania and North Macedonia
https://euobserver.com/enlargement/145155
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Kathimerini, 14/06/2019: North Macedonia president warns against delaying EU accession talks
http://www.ekathimerini.com/241585/article/ekathimerini/news/north-macedonia-president-warns-against-delaying-eu-accession-talks
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Reuters, 14/06/2019: Macedonia on track for EU accession talks but not Albania: diplomats
https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN1TF21J
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EurActiv, 17/06/2019: North Macedonia nears accession talks, Albania falling behind
https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/north-macedonia-nears-accession-talks-albania-falling-behind/
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Kathimerini, 17/06/2019: Mogherini urges EU to open accession talks with North Macedonia, Albania
http://www.ekathimerini.com/241637/article/ekathimerini/news/mogherini-urges-eu-to-open-accession-talks-with-north-macedonia-albania
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Politico, 18/06/2019: EU keeps Albania, North Macedonia waiting on membership talks
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-albania-north-macedonia-membership-talks/
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Reuters, 18/06/2019: EU delays decision on membership talks with Albania, North Macedonia
https://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKKCN1TJ133
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Deutsche Welle, 18/06/2019: EU delays accession talks with N. Macedonia and Albania
https://p.dw.com/p/3KepT
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France24, 18/06/2019: Courts, cannabis, corruption: Albania struggles against old demons
https://www.france24.com/en/20190618-courts-cannabis-corruption-albania-struggles-against-old-demons
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Balkan Insight, 18/06/2019: Balkan Hopefuls Await European Council Decision on Talks
https://balkaninsight.com/2019/06/18/balkan-hopefuls-await-european-council-decision-on-talks/
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EurActiv, 19/06/2019: Divided Europe deals major blow to North Macedonia’s EU accession hopes
https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/divided-europe-deals-major-blow-to-north-macedonias-eu-accession-hopes/
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EUObserver, 19/06/2019: EU keeps North Macedonia and Albania at arm's length
https://euobserver.com/foreign/145195
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Hungary Today, 19/06/2019: Foreign Minister: ‘Shameful Tactical Games’ to Postpone Albania, North Macedonia Accession Talks
https://hungarytoday.hu/hungary-eu-interests-balkans-albania-macedonia-accession/
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Total Croatia News, 19/06/2019: Croatia Regrets Lack of Support for Opening EU Talks with North Macedonia, Albania
https://www.total-croatia-news.com/politics/36622-north-macedonia
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The Sofia Globe, 19/06/2019: Bulgaria ‘regrets’ EU ministers’ delay on decision on accession talks with North Macedonia, Albania
https://sofiaglobe.com/2019/06/19/bulgaria-regrets-eu-ministers-delay-on-decision-on-accession-talks-with-north-macedonia-albania/
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LSM.lv, 19/06/2019: Latvia backs EU path for Albania, North Macedonia
https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/diplomacy/latvia-backs-eu-path-for-albania-north-macedonia.a322932/
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Euronews, 21/06/2019: EU accused of betraying promises on Albanian accession
https://www.euronews.com/2019/06/20/eu-accused-of-betraying-promises-on-albanian-accession
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Hungary Today, 25/06/2019: Szijjártó: North Macedonia’s EU Integration European Interest
https://hungarytoday.hu/szijjarto-north-macedonias-eu-integration-european-interest/
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EurActiv, 13/09/2019: Visegrad countries back opening of accession talks with North Macedonia, Albania
https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/visegrad-countries-back-opening-of-accession-talks-with-north-macedonia-albania/
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EUObserver, 13/09/2019: Central European leaders demand Balkan EU accession
https://euobserver.com/foreign/145933
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Reuters, 17/09/2019: EU's Tusk urges bloc to back talks with Balkan neighbours
https://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKKBN1W2208
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Politico, 17/09/2019: Tusk calls for opening EU membership talks with North Macedonia
https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-tusk-calls-for-opening-eu-membership-talks-with-north-macedonia/
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The Sofia Globe, 25/09/2019: Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Croatia call for opening of EU accession talks with Albania, N Macedonia
https://sofiaglobe.com/2019/09/25/bulgaria-greece-romania-croatia-call-for-opening-of-eu-accession-talks-with-albania-n-macedonia/
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Balkan Insight, 27/09/2019: German Parliament Backs Albania, North Macedonia EU Talks
https://balkaninsight.com/2019/09/27/german-parliament-backs-albania-north-macedonia-eu-talks/
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Bloomberg, 29/09/2019: EU Set to Resume Expansion Push With Balkan Accession Talks
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-09-29/eu-set-to-resume-expansion-push-with-balkan-accession-talks
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Politico, 03/10/2019: EU chiefs call for start of membership talks with North Macedonia, Albania
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-chiefs-call-for-start-of-membership-talks-with-north-macedonia-albania/
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Balkan Insight, 03/10/2019: Albania, North Macedonia EU Hopes Depend on Big Players
https://balkaninsight.com/2019/10/03/albania-north-macedonia-eu-hopes-depend-on-big-players/
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France24, 03/10/2019: EU chiefs urge membership talks with N.Macedonia, Albania
https://www.france24.com/en/20191003-eu-chiefs-urge-membership-talks-with-n-macedonia-albania
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Kathimerini, 03/10/2019: Ex-PM Tsipras urges EU to back entry talks with North Macedonia
http://www.ekathimerini.com/245147/article/ekathimerini/news/ex-pm-tsipras-urges-eu-to-back-entry-talks-with-north-macedonia
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Reuters, 04/10/2019: Germany pushes compromise on EU talks with North Macedonia, Albania
https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1WJ1RX
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Balkan Insight, 09/10/2019: Netherlands Welcomes EU Talks With North Macedonia, not Albania
https://balkaninsight.com/2019/10/09/netherlands-welcomes-eu-talks-with-north-macedonia-not-albania/
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Politico, 15/10/2019: EU ministers once again fail to reach deal on North Macedonia and Albania
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-ministers-once-again-fail-to-reach-deal-on-north-macedonia-and-albania/
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RTÉ News, 15/10/2019: Showdown looming over EU expansion 'soap opera'
https://www.rte.ie/news/europe/2019/1015/1083605-eu-accession/
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Deutsche Welle, 15/10/2019: France: Deal with 'endless soap opera' of EU accession process before seeking new members
https://p.dw.com/p/3RJmX
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Swissinfo.ch, 15/10/2019: France holds firm against EU talks with Balkan hopefuls
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/reuters/france-holds-firm-against-eu-talks-with-balkan-hopefuls/45299168
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EUObserver, 15/10/2019: France keen to pause EU enlargement
https://euobserver.com/enlargement/146267
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Hungary Today, 16/10/2019: Foreign Ministry: EU Postponement of Albania, North Macedonia Accession Talks ‘Disastrous’
https://hungarytoday.hu/foreign-ministry-eu-postponement-of-albania-north-macedonia-accession-talks-disastrous/
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Balkan Insight, 16/10/2019: Albania Blames Likely Accession Talks ‘No’ on Divided EU
https://balkaninsight.com/2019/10/16/albania-premier-blame-eu-for-possible-negative-decision-on-negotiations/
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EurActiv, 16/10/2019: France halts EU enlargement
https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/france-halts-eu-enlargement/
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EUObserver, 16/10/2019: Balkans row to hit EU summit after French veto
https://euobserver.com/enlargement/146287
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Balkan Insight, 17/10/2019: European Council Fails to Reward North Macedonia, Albania
https://balkaninsight.com/2019/10/17/european-council-fails-to-reward-north-macedonia-albania/
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EurActiv, 18/10/2019: All eyes on France after inconclusive enlargement summit debate
https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/all-eyes-on-france-after-inconclusive-enlargement-summit-debate/
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Balkan Insight, 18/10/2019: France Sinks EU Hopes of North Macedonia, Albania
https://balkaninsight.com/2019/10/18/france-sinks-eu-hopes-of-north-macedonia-albania/
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Reuters, 18/10/2019: France under fire for 'historic error' of blocking Balkan EU hopefuls
https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1WX1CT
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EUObserver, 18/10/2019: EU fails to deliver on Albania and North Macedonia
https://euobserver.com/enlargement/146329
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EUObserver, 18/10/2019: Juncker: 'Historic mistake' against Balkan EU hopefuls
https://euobserver.com/enlargement/146340
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BBC News, 18/10/2019: EU blocks Albania and North Macedonia membership bids
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-50100201
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The Guardian, 18/10/2019: EU failure to open membership talks with Albania and North Macedonia condemned
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/18/eu-refusal-to-open-talks-with-albania-and-north-macedonia-condemned-as-historic-mistake
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Politico, 18/10/2019: EU leaders deadlock over membership talks for North Macedonia, Albania
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-leaders-deadlock-over-membership-talks-for-north-macedonia-albania/
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Deutsche Welle, 18/10/2019: EU leaders leave Balkan states hanging on accession talks
https://p.dw.com/p/3RUN9
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BBC News, 02/11/2019: European snub to North Macedonia fuels frustration in Balkans
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-50260379
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RFE/RL, 04/11/2019: U.S. Envoy: EU Snub Of North Macedonia, Albania 'Historic Mistake'
https://www.rferl.org/a/u-s-envoy-calls-eu-s-snub-of-north-macedonia-albania-a-historic-mistake-/30252546.html
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EurActiv, 04/11/2019: US envoy knocks EU’s ‘bad message’ to the Balkans
https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/us-envoy-knocks-eus-bad-message-to-the-balkans/
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Euronews, 02/03/2020: Albania and North Macedonia 'ready for EU enlargement talks'
https://www.euronews.com/2020/03/02/albania-and-north-macedonia-ready-for-eu-enlargement-talks
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Balkan Insight, 02/03/2020: Commission Reports Raise EU Hopes in Albania, North Macedonia
https://balkaninsight.com/2020/03/02/commission-reports-raise-eu-hopes-in-albania-north-macedonia/
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Reuters, 02/03/2020: Albania, North Macedonia ready for EU membership talks - Commission
https://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKKBN20P20A
- Commentary and Analysis
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EurActiv, 24/05/2019: Macron and the EU enlargement make-believe
https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/opinion/macron-and-the-eu-enlargement-make-believe/
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Balkan Insight, 24/05/2019: How to Understand France’s ‘Bad Cop’ Role in the Balkans
https://balkaninsight.com/2019/05/24/how-to-understand-frances-bad-cop-role-in-the-balkans/
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The Economist, 13/06/2019: The EU must keep its promise to North Macedonia
https://www.economist.com/leaders/2019/06/13/the-eu-must-keep-its-promise-to-north-macedonia
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LSE: EUROPP Blog, 17/06/2019: What the Commission’s 2019 country reports say about national parliaments in the Western Balkans
https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2019/06/17/what-the-commissions-2019-country-reports-say-about-national-parliaments-in-the-western-balkans/
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EurActiv, 17/06/2019: Will Brussels turn its back – again – on the Balkans?
https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/opinion/will-brussels-turn-its-back-again-on-the-balkans/
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EurActiv, 24/06/2019: Let’s set things straight: Accession talks do not equate EU membership promise
https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/opinion/lets-set-things-straight-accession-talks-do-not-equate-eu-membership-promise/
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Balkan Insight, 25/06/2019: EU Policy of ‘Containing’ Balkans is Dangerous Illusion
https://balkaninsight.com/2019/06/25/eu-policy-of-containing-balkans-is-dangerous-illusion/
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IISS: Analysis, 11/10/2019: EU’s credibility at stake with Albania and North Macedonia accession talks decision
https://www.iiss.org/blogs/analysis/2019/10/csdp-eu-accession-talks
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EurActiv, 14/10/2019: Failing to deliver on Albania and North Macedonia will haunt the EU
https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/opinion/failing-to-deliver-on-albania-and-north-macedonia-will-haunt-the-eu/
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Politico, 14/10/2019: Let’s move forward in the western Balkans
https://www.politico.eu/article/european-commission-western-balkans-north-macedonia-albania-accession-talks-eu/
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EurActiv, 15/10/2015: Leaders must take action, giving signals is not enough
https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/opinion/leaders-must-take-action-giving-signals-is-not-enough/
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LSE: EUROPP Blog, 15/10/2019: Why the EU should open accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia
https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2019/10/15/why-the-eu-should-open-accession-negotiations-with-albania-and-north-macedonia/
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OBC Transeuropa, 16/10/2019: Albania and North Macedonia: will accession talks finally open?
https://www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Europe/Albania-and-North-Macedonia-will-accession-talks-finally-open-197111
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OSW: Analyses, 16/10/2019: Accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia: a dispute inside the EU
https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2019-10-16/accession-negotiations-albania-and-north-macedonia-a-dispute-inside
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Politico, 18/10/2019: EU’s Balkan breakdown reveals split among leaders
https://www.politico.eu/article/eus-balkan-breakdown-reveals-split-among-leaders/
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EUObserver, 21/10/2019: Macron breaks Balkans promise in quest for EU dominance
https://euobserver.com/opinion/146350
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CEPS: In Brief, 22/10/2019: Macron’s 'Non' to EU enlargement
https://www.ceps.eu/macrons-non-to-eu-enlargement/
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ECFR: Commentary, 24/10/2019: Flatter and faster: New Western Balkans pathways to the EU
https://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_flatter_and_faster_new_western_balkans_pathways_to_the_eu
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ECFR: Commentary, 25/10/2019: After the French veto: The new scramble for the Western Balkans
https://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_after_the_french_veto_the_new_scramble_for_the_western_balkans
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Forbes, 29/10/2019: EU Must Be Clearer With Balkans If It Wants To Expand
https://www.forbes.com/sites/pascaledavies/2019/10/29/eu-must-be-clearer-with-balkans-if-it-wants-to-expand/#74418db253be
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Carnegie Europe: Strategic Europe, 29/10/2019: Europe’s Enlargement Problem
https://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/80203
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Balkan Insight, 29/10/2019: France’s EU Enlargement Veto to Further Slow Montenegro Reform
https://balkaninsight.com/2019/10/29/frances-eu-enlargement-veto-to-further-slow-montenegro-reform/
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Balkan Insight, 04/11/2019: Blocking Enlargement Is an Act of European Self-Harm
https://balkaninsight.com/2019/11/04/blocking-enlargement-is-an-act-of-european-self-harm/
- ESO Records
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Communication on a ‘credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans’ [February 2018]
https://www.europeansources.info/record/communication-on-a-credible-enlargement-perspective-for-and-enhanced-eu-engagement-with-the-western-balkans/
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