On #Albania & #NorthMacedonia: I understand the criticism against #Macron, but would like to put forward a few thoughts that might not be popular /1
In the long-run, are we serious about enlarging to a country such as #Albania that still has a very long way to go to reach Copenhagen criteria? EU accession talks surely an instrument for change, but: /2
Let’s not forget that opening accession talks also means that the hopes are high for populations in 🇦🇱 & 🇲🇰 for EU membership. If it never happens, backlash risk should not be underestimated. /3
In addition, #Macron has a very valid point on #enlargement vs #deepening: Is enlargement not also a way to make the EU even less able to take decisions & a way to weaken the Union? I think enlargement talks require a serious conversation on reforming the institutions./4
Finally, is the criticism of #Macron not also influenced by the relatively toxic environment against 🇫🇷 EU decisions atm on #Spitzenkandidaten, #Goulard, #Georgieva? /5
N.B. #EUCO lack of decision clearly is a failure - esp after 🇲🇰 having changed its name (bad signal from EU). Requires better coordination between MS before it comes on the agenda. Also: maybe think of variable geometry in neighborbood policy & different models of association?
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