Brussels (dpa) - EU ministers have agreed to start long-awaited European Union membership talks with Albania and North Macedonia, sources in Brussels tell dpa, after a political stalemate on the issue threatened relations with the volatile region.

The European Commission has long judged Skopje and Tirana to be ready for accession negotiations after undertaking democratic reforms and, in North Macedonia's case, changing the country's name to settle a dispute with neighbouring Greece.

But in October, France in particular put up last-minute opposition, insisting on further reforms and an overhaul of the EU accession process.

EU ministers for European affairs finally gave the go-ahead on Tuesday, after the bloc's ambassadors removed the final hurdles to open accession talks.

The formal decision must be taken in a written procedure adapted due to coronavirus restrictions.

Brussels uses the prospect of membership to encourage democratic reform in its neighbourhood. EU officials warn that countries such as Russia and China are also vying for influence in the region.