Negotiations for the accession of North Macedonia should be promptly launched as promised long ago by the European Union, this was the declaration made by Zoran Zaev during a meeting in Brussels alongside leaders from the Western Balkans.
Zaev said his way to Brussels came with messages “already known, understood and approved” by EU leaders, adding that now it is time for the EU to deliver without further delays.
“The Republic of North Macedonia has terminated all its obligations. The Commission recognized the progress in its report and made it clear. The European Commission recognized that in its reports on the country’s progress to the European Council and to the leaders of the EU member states, making it very clear that the country has an unconditional recommendation to start negotiations,” said Prime Minister Zaev.
North Macedonia’s premier emphasized that he is expecting a decision to approve the negotiating framework and holding the first Intergovernmental Conference during the Portuguese EU presidency.
“EU representatives know and understand that our Macedonian identity and language are not and will never be up for negotiation”, said Zaev.
Last December, Bulgaria vetoed the adoption of the negotiating framework and accession negotiations with North Macedonia, arguing that the country does not fulfill the criteria for good neighborly relations as well as demanding Skopje to recognize the Bulgarian roots of the Macedonian identity and language.
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