EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borel and the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken welcomed the EU proposal to find a solution to the dispute between North Macedonia and Bulgaria and noted that Skopje's decision would be important for its European path.
"At this critical moment in European history, marked by Russia's unjustified aggression against Ukraine, advancing Albania and North Macedonia's path towards the EU is key to strengthening the cohesion and resilience of the entire European continent. Guided by shared values and EU standards and criteria, both countries are ready to take the next step towards EU membership," Borel and Blinken said in a joint statement.
"Mutual respect"
"We welcome the compromise proposal that takes into account the interests and concerns of both North Macedonia and Bulgaria based on mutual respect, trust and understanding. The sovereign decision of the Parliament of North Macedonia will be important to move forward. This spirit of constructive compromise on which European integration is built should continue to inspire all those involved in this historic process."
"The European Union and the United States are committed to closer cooperation in the Western Balkans. Ensuring stability and prosperity and realizing their European and Euro-Atlantic future remains our common goal," the two officials conclude in their statement.
France, which held the EU presidency for the past six months, has tabled a compromise proposal to resolve the differences between North Macedonia and Bulgaria. The proposal stipulates that if the governments of Bulgaria and North Macedonia agree to it, then it will be decided immediately to start Skopje's accession negotiations with the EU, but the first chapters will be opened after North Macedonia has amended its constitution to include the Bulgarian minority living in the country.
The proposal has been accepted by the Bulgarian government and parliament and the position of the parliament and the government of North Macedonia remains to be taken.
Source: Cyprus Times
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