“The European Union and the United States are committed to closer cooperation in the Western Balkans”, the head of European diplomacy and the US Secretary of State said in their joint statement
The High Representative for Foreign Affairs of the European Union Joseph Borel and the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken they welcomed the EU’s proposal to find a solution to the dispute between North Macedonia and Bulgaria and pointed out that the decision of Skopje will be important for their European path.
“At this critical moment in European history, marked by Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, advancing Albania and North Macedonia’s path to the EU is key to strengthening the cohesion and resilience of the entire European continent. . Based on shared values and EU standards and criteria, both countries are ready to take the next step towards EU membership.” Mr. and Mrs. Borrell and Blinken in their joint statement.
“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.” they note.
“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 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 provides that in case its governments Bulgaria and of 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 its Constitution, with the inclusion in it of the Bulgarian minority that lives 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.
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