European lawmakers at an extraordinary plenary session on the opening of negotiations with Macedonia and Albania strongly condemned the French veto at the EU summit on October 18, 2019, and demanded that the mistake be rectified as soon as possible. Discussions involving 40 members of the European Parliament today should be translated into a joint resolution, which will be voted around noon, MIA correspondent reports.

Macedonia has once again received the support of the major political groups in the European Parliament for the start of EU negotiations. Many MEPs have strongly criticized France’s veto at last week’s EU summit and called for an urgent reversal of the decision.

Finnish Minister for European Affairs Tytti Tuppurainen said she was deeply disappointed that no agreement was reached last week at the European Council.

It is a setback for the EU’s role in the Western Balkans and for enlargement as a strategic investment in peace and stability, the Finnish minister said.

She emphasized that more efforts are needed now, but “we will not stop”.

We are ready to return to the question again. It is very important for the two countries to continue with the reforms, as the citizens expect it too, said Tuppurainen.

Like many other participants in the debate, the Prespa Agreement has been repeatedly cited as a historic achievement.

Outgoing Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn echoed criticism that EU leaders failed to deliver on their promise.

Let us not forget that there is a unanimous opinion that the Western Balkans countries need more courage to take a step as the Prespa Agreement. Where is our commitment and support for those who take courageous steps? EU members now need to clarify how serious their intention is towards these countries, Hahn said.