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Three weeks before the December European Council, Robert Walter British MP and president of the European Association for Security and defense – ESDA, in a statement to Deutsche Welle estimates that accession negotiations with Macedonia are likely to be on the agenda next year, after the elections for the European institutions.
– I know that the European Commission very clearly said that negotiations with Macedonia should start as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I can not be so optimistic, because I fear that the opening of accession negotiations will be re moved for spring, at the May elections for the European institutions. But I’m an optimist that Macedonia will become a member of both organizations, NATO and the EU, as the technical name issue will be resolved. For the Macedonian citizens is extremely important to be part of the EU and NATO”, said Robert Walter.
He expects European security and defense policy to be high on the agenda at the December summit of the European Council.
– Ten years after the adoption of the European Security Strategy, which remained unfulfilled because its goals are no defined clearly, nor strategic planning, it will discussed by the heads of states and governments. Whether because of this issue, which is particularly urgent in times of financial crisis and reorientation of the US priorities from Europe to the Pacific, there will be a space to talk and to start accession negotiations with Macedonia – is still completely uncertain. However, it is certain that Macedonia has a major role in NATO operations in Afghanistan and this role will be even greater when Macedonia will become a full member of NATO, and I believe that we will see the country in the European Union, he said.
Asked how he assesses the situation of Macedonia, given that only three weeks remain to the European Council, also whether Greece threatens new blockade, Walter says that he personally believes that the name issue should not impede Macedonia’s membership EU and NATO.
– I stated my position very clearly. It is not up to me to decide which is the right name for Macedonia. My Government recognizes your country as Macedonia. But I think this issue should not prevent Macedonia’s membership in NATO and the European Union, Walter stated.
He is a member of the United Kingdom Parliament, President of the ESDA (European Association for Security and Defense), Vice President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and chairman of the Berlin Conference on Security and Defence.
