Albania has the potential to become a frontrunner among countries seeking EU membership, alongside Montenegro, the ambassador of the European Union in Albania, Silvio Gonzato, was quoted as saying by Euronews on Friday.
North Macedonia's prime minister Hristijan Mickoski said he would not accept a further delay in the country's EU membership talks, following media reports that the EU has decided to decouple North Macedonia from Albania in their accession process because of Skopje's dispute with neighbouring EU member Bulgaria over amendments to North Macedonia's constitution.
The Council of the European Union said it has approved a 13 million euro ($14.5 million) assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to enhance the capabilities and capacities of North Macedonia's army.
The European Commission has proposed an aid scheme worth 119.7 million euro ($133 million) for farmers in Romania, Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, and Italy who were affected by adverse weather events in the spring and early summer, it said on Monday.