The European Commission confirmed that the Republic of North Macedonia meets the criteria to start membership negotiations and considers that the postponement has a negative impact on the credibility of the EU, said EU Ambassador David Geer while presenting the report of the EC on the progress of the country in the process of European integration.
At a joint press conference with Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Nikola Dimitrov, Geer presented the conclusion of the EC that the first intergovernmental conference, which would mark the start of the negotiations with North Macedonia, is expected to be held by the end of the year.
Therefore, said Geer, efforts for resolving the issue with Bulgaria need to be reinforced.
The implementation of the bilateral agreements with Bulgaria and with Greece also needs to continue, by all signatory parties.
The country has shown strong determination to advance towards the EU, is keeping up with the reforms and there are results. Efforts related to the fight against corruption, the rule of law and reforms in the administration should continue, said EU Ambassador David Geer.
Translation: N. Cvetkovska
