Speaking to MIA’s special correspondent at the UN General Assembly in New York, Macedonia’s First Deputy PM and Minister of European Affairs BekimSali shared his expectations for the EU’s new enlargement strategy and the dialogue with Bulgaria.
Sali welcomed the recent proposal by France and Germany to allow EU candidate countries to join the bloc in phases rather than all at once. Through a non-paper titled “A New Momentum for Enlargement,” France and Germany recently proposed the EU’s enlargement strategy be updated so candidates can gradually gain merit-based benefits — and simplified procedures to help them join the European single market — prior to full membership.
“This document is still a non-paper, but it has been proposed and supported by France and Germany,”Salinoted, adding that other EU member states were reviewing the proposal as well.
We consider it well-intentioned and aimed at supporting all countries aspiring to EU membership. I expect the document will be adopted, he added.
Noting that the update would speed up European enlargement, Sali said the non-paper was unanimously welcomed. All member states and all aspiring countries we have been in communication with view this document favorably, underlined the First Deputy PM.