A compromise was reached by the members of the EU Security Policy Committee, in order to sign agreements with third countries that aim to improve their defence cooperation with Europe.

A few days ago, a technocratic-level meeting was held in Brussels primarily seeking to conclude a series of defence and security agreements with countries outside Europe, more specifically with Canada, Japan, Ghana, Moldova, Norway and South Korea.

On the Greek side, objections were expressed about Albania, as a country that wishes to join the EU must be in line with the European acquis, which includes as a key element respect for the rule of law.

Specifically, the reason is the case of the arrested mayor of the city of Chimara, Freddy Beleris.

As reported by MIA, the Greek side submitted its proposal, according to which the most suitable country to conclude a defence and security agreement with the EU is Skopje, which has shown better achievements in the rule of law, while the standardization of the armed forces to Western standards through accession to NATO has proceeded at an extremely rapid pace.

From the Greek side, it was also emphasized that it would not be correct to make a proposal only to Albania and not to Skopje, as these are two NATO member countries that are candidates for EU membership and this would create an undesirable precedent.

The Beleris case created problems in Greek-Albanian relations and Athens left open the possibility of preventing Tirana’s European integration, the publication concludes.

According to Kathimerini, the strongest support for Albania came from Italy, as Rome is Tirana’s closest partner within the EU.

Finally, despite some initial objections and following intensive consultations, the Greek proposal was fully accepted, so it was decided that both countries of the Western Balkans would be sounded out about this particular European initiative.

It is worth noting that the above discussion concerns an internal EU process and it has not yet been chosen which of the countries mentioned above will finally be invited to discuss the possibility of cooperation in the field of defence and security.

Also read: Greece – Albania | First “block” due to the Beleris case