The “very unfortunate event” with new President of North Macedonia not to mention the country’s constitutional name during her swearing-in, the European Commission reiterated todaycalling at the same time newly elected Authorities of the countryto continue to convince everyone in EU that they are committed to the European future of their country.

Asked about this during today’s briefing of the Commission, the representative for foreign affairs, Peter Stano, referred to the relevant statement of the President of the Commission and the statement of the European External Action Service, regarding the “very unfortunate event of the new President of North Macedonia not mentioning the country’s constitutional name during the swearing in”. P. Stano explained that what the EU expects from North Macedonia towards its European integration is clearly stated in the last progress report last autumn. As he said, in this report it is pointed out that “Existing bilateral agreements must be implemented in good faith by all parties, including the Prespa Agreement between North Macedonia and Greece”. Included in these agreements is the Treaty of friendship, good neighborliness and good cooperation with Bulgaria, including its protocols. “This is the EU’s expectation,” the Commission spokesman added.

Continuing, P. Stano emphasized that from statements by senior EU officials, such as the joint statement by Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varghelli and EU High Representative Josep Borrell, it is abundantly clear what the EU expects from North Macedonia. “We look forward and look forward to working with the newly elected authorities in North Macedonia with both the President and the new government to help the country move forward and meet the expectations set by the EU on the country’s accession path. So frankly, we expect and believe that the new authorities will continue to deliver,” said the Commission spokesman, adding that the newly elected authorities “now have the opportunity to convince everyone in the EU that they are committed to their country’s European future and that they will are doing everything they can to move forward on its successful accession path”.