German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, spoke to North Macedonia in a speech earlier today, during which he said that the country is now close to a compromise that could guarantee the opening of negotiations with the European Union, 17 years after obtaining the candidate status.

In his speech, shared by the German embassy in Skopje, he highlighted that even if North Macedonia does end up accepting the French proposal for the resolution of the dispute with Bulgaria, the road towards ultimate EU accession won’t be an easy one.

“I want to be completely honest with you: Even after accepting this compromise, the EU accession process will not be easy. There will be other obstacles to be overcome. But I also tell you: Together we will overcome the tasks ahead of us.

Because we want you to be a member of this European Union!

We love you, dear Macedonians and Macedonians, members of a union in which you and our cultural features, our different languages, and our identities are preserved and nurtured. That’s what makes us strong together,” – said Scholz.

This Monday, the Macedonian Parliament will be convening to discuss the French proposal.

During the discussion, floor leaders will also determine a date for the next plenum during which the government will inform the public about the negotiating frameworks detailed in this proposal.