We don’t need the European Union if we have to sacrifice the Macedonian language and identity to join it. We reached agreements in the past by protecting our national uniqueness. The right to self-determination is a feeling and there’s no agreement that can decide how we feel or what language we speak. This is one of the European values, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said on Wednesday regarding the dispute with Bulgaria and North Macedonia’s EU prospects.
He added that the EU and the US are North Macedonia’s friends and strategic partners and are here to present creative ideas and share experiences, but it’s up to us to make the final decision.
Although Bulgaria is facing another parliamentary election, the PM noted, a solution can be reached with the caretaker government.
“We expect them to be responsible so we can sit down and find a solution. The issues is irrational and must be resolved. It’s in Bulgaria’s interest for North Macedonia to join the European Union and that’s why I think we’ll be able to come up with a solution,” Zaev underlined.
We, the PM said, can arrive at a solution if we think like Europeans, adding that he’s glad that Bulgaria “doesn’t have a problem with the reality of the Macedonian language and people.”
“They want to determine the past. We can do this if we’re smart and think like Europeans. We all respect the past, but are tasked with creating our future, as best we can. This is a small region, made up of small countries, but our people will benefit from standing united,” Zaev told reporters during a visit to Resen.
He added that both sides have accepted that we share a history, same as the Balkans and all of Europe.
“The Friendship Treaty with Bulgaria clearly states that the commission for historical and educational issues should pinpoint historical periods and figures that we’ll celebrate together, who can unite us and improve cooperation, without either side losing its dignity,” the Prime Minister noted.
He added that people in both countries want to cooperate, not fight, as proven by the recently improved cooperation between institutions at all levels.
“Starting from collaboration between the Macedonian Radio Television and the Bulgarian National Television, MIA and BTA, etc. – North Macedonia has registered seven new Bulgarian investments in the past six-seven months,” Zaev said.
