Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani, as part of the visit to Brussels – his first since taking office, has held meetings in the European Parliament. Osmani met with MEPs, including Klara Dobrev of the S&D Group, Michael Gahler of the EPP, Anna Fotya of the Conservative Party, and Reinhard Bütikofer of the Green Party.
The MEPs conveyed messages of encouragement that North Macedonia should start negotiating to join the EU by the end of the year in line with the plans of Germany’s presidency.
Before negotiations are opened, EU member states should adopt the negotiating framework for North Macedonia, which is being blocked by Bulgaria due to bilateral disputes.
According to a press release of the Minister’s office, North Macedonia remains committed to meeting its strategic objective by the end of the year.
“I expect the negotiating framework to be adopted on time in line with the principles of the new revised methodology of negotiations. A period of positive climate, hard work is ahead all the while being motivated to deliver at home too. I’m focused on enhancing good neighborly relations since regional cooperation is key in maintaining the European idea in the Balkans,” Minister Osmani has stated.
European Parliament officials have pledged to help North Macedonia start negotiations with the EU by the end of 2020. They said the country must pursue reforms, announcing that the Jean Monnet dialogue would continue to improve political dialogue of the parties in Parliament.
“It was pointed out that the concept of multi-ethnic and peaceful country dedicated to finding solutions through compromise and dialogue has been acknowledged as great success and as an example for the region and beyond. Highlighting the geo-political aspect about the importance of EU enlargement in the region, it was concluded that the Western Balkans is crucial not only for maintaining security and stability in the EU, but also for economic, political and social progress of the continent in general,” said the press release.
Later in the day, Minister Osmani will meet with the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and with EU’s special Western Balkans envoy, Miroslav Lajcak, who is also in charge of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue
