Wednesday’s meeting of the ambassadors of EU member states did not bring any progress in France’s position on starting negotiations with Macedonia and Albania, French diplomatic sources told MIA.

We do not expect a shift at the ministerial meeting in Luxembourg at the earliest, nothing has changed compared to last week, the decision should be taken by President Emmanuel Macron, diplomats present at the ambassadorial meeting explained to MIA.

Diplomats do not confirm reports that France is “not optimistic” about the start of negotiations with Macedonia and Albania, as some French media reported.

We cannot confirm such information because France simply does not have a position, for the time being, so we cannot say whether it is optimistic or not.

According to senior EU government sources who have been in contact with the French government, “Macron does not mind being isolated on this issue in the EU”.

Negotiations between EU member states are increasingly focused on separating Albania and Macedonia, especially following the position of the Dutch government and the conditions set by Germany. It remains that a number of EU countries continue to insist that the two countries should go into a package, for various reasons.

For some member states, separating Albania is problematic “because it will create a perception that countries with a majority Muslim population are being isolated from the negotiation process”, while others consider that regional stability is at stake and fear that Tirana would “negatively affect” the Pristina – Belgrade dialogue if blocked.

Although some countries dislike separation, if France backs that position, they will likely accept, better one country to start negotiations than no country, anyway, it will depend on Macron, a senior EU diplomat explained to MIA.

The position of the Dutch government has, in any case, encouraged supporters of enlargement, but it is still not certain that a decision will be taken on Tuesday. Depending on the dynamics of the talks at a ministerial meeting in Luxembourg, it will be known whether it is necessary to leave the final decision to the heads of state and governments at the summit, which will take place two days later in Brussels.