Referring to VMRO-DPMNE’s accusations that the government is holding secret negotiations with Bulgaria, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev told reporters on Friday that the opposition is familiar with talks, adding that they are not discussing a new agreement, but trying to find formulations for North Macedonia’s EU negotiating framework.
The PM also reiterated that the Macedonian language and identity are non-negotiable.
“We’re not holding talks, nor intend to sign a new agreement with Bulgaria. Instead, we’re searching for formulations for the negotiating framework, which is up to the European Council to adopt. So, they are supposed to make the decision, not Bulgaria or North Macedonia,” Zaev said during the inauguration of the first phase of the Shtip-Radovish expressway.
He underlined that the Portuguese proposal is being discussed within European institutions and at bilateral level, adding that Bulgaria’s initial reaction to it wasn’t negative.
“We said that it sets a good foundation and urged giving the process a chance. The EU and now friendly Bulgaria understand that the Macedonian language and identity are non-negotiable. We’ve said publicly on numerous occasions in Brussels that we won’t enter talks if the intention is to put the Macedonian language and identity on the table. However, you can see we’re talking, so the issue has been set aside,” the PM noted.
He added that the opposition’s irresponsible Facebook posts and public comments harm the country, stressing that North Macedonia must move forward and find solutions.
“Taking care of our language and identity is a group effort. The opposition has the Portuguese proposal and I’m glad they’re not commenting on it in detail because that can harm this ongoing process, but I assure you that there’s nothing that can jeopardize our interest, only guarantee our European future. I’m always available for debate and once this phase of negotiations is over, I can sit down for one with VMRO-DPMNE’s leader,” Zaev told reporters.
Moreover, he underlined that North Macedonia doesn’t accept the Bulgarian Parliament’s declaration, reiterating that the Portuguese proposal respects both sides. He also expressed hopes for reaching a solution, but added that he doesn’t want to raise hopes up due to the fact that Bulgaria currently has a caretaker government.
“It’s really unjust having to wait 16.5 years as a candidate country. The EU should really care about this because the Western Balkans don’t have an alternative to EU membership. We resume Europeanisation, but it would only be fair for them to keep their word and deliver on promises. June 22 is the first option, the next is September. There are a lot of other challenges – screening legislation, opening chapters. We’ll witness our country’s Europeanisation, a decade-long tendency we’re obliged to achieve,” the Prime Minister said.
Zaev called on Bulgarian authorities to support North Macedonia’s and the Western Balkans’ Europeanisation, stressing hopes for establishing communication with Bulgaria’s caretaker PM, Stefan Yanev.
