The German Bundestag’s approval of the opening of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia sends an important message. The vote underlines the Western Balkans’ importance for the EU. At the same time, it spells out that reforms are rewarded. Both countries must continue their reform efforts in order to make further progress on the path to EU accession. I am confident that the conditional approach suggested by the German Bundestag will convince others in the EU to agree to the start of accession negotiations.