FLASH
Shkruar nga PamfletiWadephul mentioned the opening of several new chapters in the negotiations with Albania. Germany has supported this step, but the minister warned that their opening should not be confused with the conclusion of the negotiations.
Berlin continues to refrain from giving a direct assessment of the protests in Albania. When asked about them by DW, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul chose to talk about Albania's European perspective and the prerequisites of the membership process.
"Regarding the EU accession process, you know that Germany is a strong supporter of enlargement in the Western Balkans. But membership can only be achieved depending on progress in approximation with the European Union acquis. This is examined in a very detailed procedure," Wadephul said on Friday, July 10, 2026, in Berlin, after a meeting with his Slovenian counterpart Tone Kajzer.
The EU acquis refers to the set of rules, laws, and obligations that a member state must implement.
The opening of group chapters is not the end of the process
Wadephul mentioned the opening of several new chapters in the negotiations with Albania. Germany has supported this step, but the minister warned that their opening should not be confused with the conclusion of the negotiations.
"Several new chapters have now been opened for Albania. Germany has supported this. But the opening of chapters does not mean that they have been closed. This is the Commission's task and the process is in good hands there. When there are results, the federal government can take a position. Today this is not yet possible ," said Wadephul.
However, the geopolitical importance of enlargement does not replace the membership criteria. Slovenian Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer also said that his country and Germany follow the same line.
"We support enlargement as one of the priorities of the new government, but on the basis of progress and fulfillment of criteria," he said.
The Slovenian minister also highlighted his country's experience from the EU accession process.
"We still have some experience from the time when Slovenia joined the European Union. We will also cooperate more intensively with Germany in this area," he said.
NATO summit: location set, date not yet set
Another question from DW was about the upcoming NATO summit in Albania. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said that the next meeting will take place in Albania, but the exact time has not yet been decided. Wadephul did not express any opposition to Albania as a host country, but left open whether the summit will be held next year.
"I leave the question of whether and when summits will be held to the NATO Secretary General to discuss and negotiate with partner countries. I also said before the last summit that Germany is open. We are not dogmatic on this issue. There may be another summit next year, but annual summits have not been normal in NATO's history. Usually they have been held on a biennial basis or after several years," Wadephul added.
According to him, the decision will also depend on the security situation within the North Atlantic Alliance./DW
Lini një Përgjigje