Brussels-based correspondent Augustin Palokaj notes in his opinion piece that “the European Union and NATO have invested so much energy and attention to the ‘name issue’ that for years they have ignored the real and increasing problems in Macedonia”. According to Palokaj, “NATO and the EU have proved powerless vis-à-vis an irrational Greek blockade, and at the same time they have kept silent over the degradation of democracy and the corruption in Macedonia”. “Now we have the latest case in Kumanovo, and no one knows what has happened exactly. Even if everything is confirmed, there will be many doubters, because we have reached a situation where no one trusts anyone in Macedonia. No one in Macedonia trusts the EU, and there are few in the EU that trust Macedonia’s political leaders, be they Albanian or Macedonian”. In closing, Palokaj argues that if the recent events are a lesson that the EU and NATO cannot criticize countries of the region for corruption and at the same time maintain friendly contact with those responsible for such a situation.