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#NorthMacedonia - EU urges member states to grasp historic opportunity and open accession talks

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North Macedonia was approved to discuss membership status in the European Union on May 29, 2019, writes David Kunz.

North Macedonia has been an EU candidate since 2005, but recent reforms in the judiciary, intelligence services, public administration and more have made the country an outstanding candidate for EU accession.

Zoran Zaev, prime minister of North Macedonia, said more than 75% of North Macedonians support EU integration, and the country has been a shining example in the West Balkans for EU accession. “We are the only country in the region who does not have bilateral issues with our neighbors,” said Zaev.

In February, North Macedonia underwent a name change, which led to Greece uplifting its veto for the country’s joining of both the EU and NATO. This was resolved through the Prespa agreement, which was ratified by parliaments in both Greece and North Macedonia in January.

President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker noted that some member states have apprehensions regarding North Macedonia joining the EU. To this, Zaev said, “they can disappoint us and create frustration and nationalism and radicalism again,” or, “they can motivate other leaders to make agreements.”

“I said clearly back in 2018 that no country will join the European Union unless it has solved all its bilateral disputes. North Macedonia has heeded the call,” said Juncker.

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Now, it is up to the member states to admit North Macedonia to the European Union. Juncker said he will be there to defend North Macedonia, as they have fulfilled the prerequisites for membership.

“In our view, based on objective assessment of the facts, the Republic of North Macedonia is ready for the next step,” said Juncker, “and I will do everything possible in order to convict them to follow this historical movement, and I will defend North Macedonia whenever it is needed.”

North Macedonia has received a positive recommendation for EU membership for 10 of the past 15 years. If membership discussions for North Macedonia are not positive, Zaev said it would “be a loss in credibility of the European Union and citizen's belief in a European future.”

Juncker and Zaev will meet again on June 18 to further discuss North Macedonia’s membership status

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