Nikovski: Wadephul’s visit to the region routine, even reassuring

The visit of German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to this region is routine, even reassuring, Macedonian analyst Risto Nikovski says.

“I think it is purely a routine visit. I would even say a reassuring one, because neither Germany nor the European Union is doing anything for the region, and from time to time they think they should remind us that they exist, but only in that way,” Nikovski told Kosovo Online, commenting on Wadephul’s ongoing Western Balkans tour.

Nikovski recalls that former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and current Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated in their coalition agreement that the Balkan countries will enter the Union only together.

“In other words, never, because first Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina would have to meet the conditions, which is, in my view, a far-fetched idea. So, this is purely a routine visit without any expectations. It is a kind of revitalization of German interest in the region and nothing more,” Nikovski is convinced.

When asked whether the German minister’s messages are messages of support or criticism, he responds – probably both.

“First, they have nothing to offer, and second, they criticize what they criticize. The situation in the region is what it is, the problems are what they are, the help and understanding from Brussels is zero or close to zero... The overall situation is not great. Germany is not showing leadership, even though it should be a leader in many things, as one of the main factors, if not the main factor, in the Union. However, they are not showing anything,” Nikovski explains.

That is why he believes that no new winds should be expected from Brussels, even though it has recently been repeated that the Union will expand, and that Albania and Montenegro are close on that path.

Still, Nikovski is not optimistic.

“I do not believe that, and I think these are absolutely unrealistic promises that are probably serving the purpose of Ukraine, which will never join,” Nikovski said, adding that the entire EU policy, currently led by Germany, is driving the Union toward massive armament which, he emphasizes, is irrational, serves no one, and will be to the detriment of all Balkan countries.

The German foreign minister is visiting the region. He began the visit two days ago in Sarajevo, followed by Podgorica and Tirana; he is currently in Belgrade, from where he will travel to Pristina. He will conclude his visit on Wednesday in Skopje.