Speaking wih Politico, the next President of the European Commission Ursla von der Leyen said that she regrets the fact that there will likely not be a decision to open EU accession talks with Macedonia and Albania.

I deeply regret it because I believe these countries have made enormous efforts to get closer to the European Union, so it’s very important that they get a positive signal, von der Leyen said.

She met President Macron recently but made no comments about the discussion. Macron yesterday declared that while he appreaciates the efforts made by Macedonia and Albania, the EU needs to undergo serious reforms that will further deepen it before it can accept new members.