North Macedonia is a glowing example of regional cooperation, of implementing reforms in the Western Balkans, and of reaching good neighborly agreements with Greece and Bulgaria, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a telephone call with Prime Minister Zoran Zaev on Friday. Brussels, she said, expects a solution to be found in the talks with Bulgaria so North Macedonia can successfully integrate into the EU.

According to the government’s press release, during the phone conversation with EC President von der Leyen, PM Zaev expressed his gratitude for the EU enlargement package and the positive EC report confirming North Macedonia was ready for the first intergovernmental conference and the start of negotiations with the EU.

Zaev noted the support of the EC was particularly significant because it was accompanied by the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.

He also briefed von der Leyen on recent developments in the talks with Bulgaria and presented North Macedonia’s positions.

The Prime Minister thanked her, and all EU Commissioners, for their support in the matter.

He especially thanked the German presidency of the EU for its dedication to finding a solution that would be a success for North Macedonia, Bulgaria, the EU, and the Western Balkans.

He also spoke to von der Leyen about the recent Western Balkans Summit in Sofia, which Bulgaria and North Macedonia co-chaired.

The summit, which was part of the Berlin Process, resulted in the adoption of decisions and declarations of great importance to the region and regional cooperation as well as economic development in accord with the EU agenda, Zaev added.

The PM also briefed the EC President on the country’s Covid-19 situation and thanked her for the EU’s help in dealing with the pandemic.

Also present during the phone call were Deputy PM for European Integration Nikola Dimitrov and Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani.