The Dutch Parliament will not review its decision of June to block the government from approving the opening of EU accession negotiations with Albania. In June, a large majority of Dutch Parliament approved a motion by three parties to block the Dutch government from approving the opening of negotiations. In principle, the government can ignore the motion, although this is not expected, considering the fact it has a minority in the Senate.
During a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee for General Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok, confirmed that there have been “no indications that something has changed in the meantime.” Blok stated that negotiations with Albania will be opened once it is has fulfilled the five conditions imposed by the European Council in 2018.
This week, the German Bundestag voted to open accession negotiations with Albania, with technical talks only starting once additional conditions are fulfilled, including the establishment of the Constitutional Court, High Court, and Electoral Reform.
Next month, the European Council is expected to decide on the opening of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. This decision should be unanimous. With the Dutch veto still firmly in place, it is unlikely that negotiations will be opened, whereas the prospects for North Macedonia seem more hopeful.
Next week, KLP Chairman Gent Ibrahimi will travel to the Netherlands to take part in a public discussion concerning the rule of law in Albania and North Macedonia.
