EU outlines principles and guidelines in negotiating frameworks for accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia

02.07.2020

On 1 July, the EU presented to the Council the draft negotiating frameworks for Albania and North Macedonia, laying out the guidelines and principles for their accession talks. The Commission was invited to submit these proposals in March 2020 by the General Affairs Council when it took the decision to open negotiations with both countries.

 

High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell underlined the importance of this step forward for Albania and North Macedonia, offering support to both countries in their continued efforts to deliver on democratic reforms on their EU path.

https://twitter.com/JosepBorrellF/status/1278436334588264451?s=20

The draft negotiating frameworks include principles governing the accession negotiations, the substance of the negotiations as well as the negotiations procedure. The aim of the negotiations is that Albania and North Macedonia fully adopt the EU acquis and ensure its implementation and enforcement upon accession.

Credibility is strengthened through an even stronger focus on fundamental reforms, starting with the rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions and public administration as well as the economy of the two countries.

As a next step, once the Member States have adopted the negotiating frameworks, the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union will present the agreed General EU Position in the first inter-governmental conference with each country, marking the formal start of the accession negotiations.


See also