Last-ditch diplomatic efforts are continuing in an attempt to help North Macedonia and Bulgaria align their positions to pave the way for the first intergovernmental conference with the EU to take place by the end of the year during Germany’s EU presidency.
Berlin and Skopje champion opening of negotiations in December, which is seen as a joint objective and interest as discussed by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and German Chancellor Angela Merkel during their phone call on Wednesday.
“Zaev and Merkel shared the mutual interest and the same goal of both countries to hold the first intergovernmental conference in December and launch North Macedonia’s EU accession negotiations during the German Presidency. The PM said this is an opportunity that should not be missed and that the intensive engagement of parties involved creates opportunities for achievement of the common goal – the intergovernmental conference,” the government said in a press release.
As part of the efforts made ahead of November 10, when the EU is expected to decide on the negotiating framework for North Macedonia, President Stevo Pendarovski and his Bulgarian counterpart Rumen Radev also had a phone call yesterday to discuss the countries’ positions regarding the conditions for the start of North Macedonia’s EU accession negotiations.
“The two presidents discussed the opportunity to reach a sustainable solution for the European development of our region, and especially North Macedonia’s Union integration. They also referred to the possibility of Pendarovski paying a visit to Sofia when conditions allow for this,” Pendarovski’s Office said in a press release.
On Wednesday, the government reiterated its position that the Macedonian language and identity are facts recognized by the UN. “There is no need to sign a new agreement or an annex to the 2017 Friendship Treaty with Bulgaria. This agreement provides a solid foundation and framework for talks to continue toward finding solutions,” government spokesman Dushko Arsovski told a news conference.
