Macron calls on North Macedonia to take the decisive step regarding its dispute with Bulgaria

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on North Macedonia to take the decisive step that will strengthen its European perspective and allow it to start accession negotiations with the EU.

France, which held the presidency of the EU for the past six months, has tabled a compromise proposal to resolve the disputes between North Macedonia and Bulgaria. The proposal foresees that in case the governments of Bulgaria and North Macedonia agree with it, then it will be decided immediately to start the accession negotiations of Skopje with the EU, but the opening of the first chapters will take place after North Macedonia first amends the Constitution of, including the Bulgarian minority living in the country.

The proposal was accepted by the government and the Parliament of Bulgaria and the position of the Parliament and the government of North Macedonia remains.

Emmanuel Macron, in today’s message to the people of North Macedonia, which was communicated by the French embassy in Skopje, states that once again North Macedonia is facing a critical moment in its history and emphasizes that seventeen years after acquiring the status of a candidate country, as soon as a historic opportunity presented itself for it: the start of the active phase of the accession process to the European Union.

Addressing the citizens of the country, Macron states: “You have shown great political courage and wisdom since you gained your independence. In 2001, you concluded the Ohrid Agreement, a symbol of the sustainable success of a multi-ethnic society. 18 years later you managed to find the strength to sign the Treaty of Prespa and you became NATO’s thirtieth ally. You won the respect of all of Europe.”

The French president continues in his message: “Once again, the time has come to make a choice and we are by your side to encourage you to take a new step. The choice is yours.”

Emmanuel Macron notes that the proposed agreement was the subject of intense debate in Bulgaria, but in the end, as he underlines, the Bulgarian Parliament proved capable of taking responsibility and accepted the proposal with a broad and cross-party majority.

“Now it is up to you to decide. The power to change the course of history is now in your hands. I will not tell you that this deal is perfect, but it will pave the European way for you. Like any deal, this one is based in compromises and balances”, he notes.

The French president, in his message, states that this proposed agreement “does not call into question the official existence of the Macedonian language, which is an integral part of your identity” and concludes by noting the following: “It is up to you to make the decision that will shape the future of North Macedonia. I am convinced that the country’s unwavering choice is to become a full member of the European family.”

This EU proposal has divided society in North Macedonia, with much of the Slavic public disagreeing with it. The proposal has been opposed by North Macedonia’s largest opposition party, the right-wing VMRO-DPMNE, which claims the proposal “satisfies Bulgarian demands and endangers the history, language and identity” of North Macedonia.

Throughout the last week, massive protests by opposition supporters have been taking place in front of the government building of North Macedonia, demanding the rejection of the proposal by the government, during which there have also been incidents between demonstrators and the police. All Albanian parties in North Macedonia are in favor of the proposal.

The government of Dimitar Kovacevsky is said to be positively disposed to the proposal, but said it will refer it to the Parliament and act according to the House’s decision.

Source: AMPE