Balkan pair edges closer to EU goal

Albania, North Macedonia hail decision that clears way for accession talks

Two Balkan nations with long-held aspirations to become members of the European Union finally learned this week that the bloc is ready to negotiate their future participation.

Albania and North Macedonia will now start talks that could take several years on the details of their membership.

Their participation in such talks had looked assured a year ago, but was foiled when French President Emmanuel Macron vetoed negotiations until the membership process was reformed.