Jakič: Doors are now open, negotiation process should begin
Skopje, 20 November 2022 (MIA) – North Macedonia was ready even in 2004 when we became a full-fledged member of the EU, but, unfortunately, what is done is done. The door is now open and the negotiation process should begin and continue, Coordinator of the Liberal South East European Network and former Defense Minister of Slovenia, Roman Jakič, told a panel as part of Sunday’s Regional Liberal Conference “QVO VADIS EVROPA 2022?” – Fostering EU Enlargement and Integration.
According to Jakič, the war in Ukraine has brought EU enlargement back into focus, and those who were skeptics about the process just a few years ago, like France, are its driving force today.
“We're back on track. It won’t be easy, but it is very important to tell people that you are not doing it for Brussels or the EU, but for you, for your citizens, for the people who live here and want a society with rule of law, freedom of the media,” said Jakič.
He said the EU was aware that it must not allow vacuum to be created when it comes to the Western Balkans, because that space can be used by third "players", such as Russia and China.
