Prime Minister Zoran Zaev thinks that there’s no need for early election as a result of Bulgaria’s decision to block once again the start of North Macedonia’s EU accession negotiations. He added that the next chance for starting talks in line with EU enlargement practice is in December, at the end of Slovenia’s EU Presidency, although the EU-Western Balkans summit is scheduled for October 6.
“The new methodology delayed the process despite constitutional changes and implementation of reforms, which is why I resigned and called for election so that citizens can decide whether we’ll stay on the European path or not. They made the decision, gave us their support and I once again received the honor to helm the Macedonian government. Now, there’s no need for another vote, it’s irrational to hold elections every year,” Zaev told reporters on Monday.
Regarding talks with Sofia over unblocking North Macedonia’s EU integration, he agreed with FM Bujar Osmani’s comments, stressing that the fact that the Macedonian language and identity are non-negotiable has been confirmed and adding that efforts for lifting Bulgaria’s veto resume.
“The Bulgarian side has confirmed this and the negotiating framework reads that the acquis will be translated into Macedonian. However, it’s important that Bulgaria lifts the blockade. I wouldn’t hope for a decision in October, because they are made at the end of each Presidency. I think the next chance for starting talks is December, although the EU-Western Balkans summit is scheduled for October 6. Slovenia is taking over the Presidency of the Council of the EU on July 1, and I’m convinced it will focus on this issue. We resume efforts, hoping that Europeanization through European mechanisms, that is, opening of chapters, will continue as soon as possible, because we have no other alternative,” the PM said.
Moreover, Zaev underlined that the 18-page long roadmap contains all aspects of cooperation – infrastructure, economy, sport, culture, education, defence. He added that cooperation in the form of roadmap was proposed by Portugal and accepted by Bulgaria.
The Prime Minister also announced on Monday that coordination and contact at working group level will resume, wishing Bulgaria and its people successful election that will lead to formation of Parliament and government so that political relations can continue.
“Bulgaria is holding an election on July 11. By the end of July, we expect to know who will form the government. Talks resume at working group level. They encourage institutions to sign agreements, which we’re doing with Bulgaria and other neighbors. However, to re-establish political relations, we’ll have to wait for the election to pass, so at the end of July or beginning of August,” Zaev stressed.
Regarding the Macedonian minority, he said that in line with EU principles, no candidate country can meddle in domestic affairs, including minority issues, which are resolved at the Court in Strasbourg and through international agreements, adding that he “expects Bulgaria to act the same way, which is the European way.”
