North Macedonia has taken a significant step towards joining the European Union after approving a French proposal that allows for accession negotiations to begin. The move was made to overcome objections from Bulgaria, blocking North Macedonia’s bid to join the EU. Relations between North Macedonia and Bulgaria have been tense recently, with disputes over language and minority rights causing friction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lawmakers in North Macedonia have passed a deal with Bulgaria that will clear the way for long-due European Union membership talks. North Macedonia has been an EU candidate country since 2005, but a long-running dispute with Bulgaria over language and history has blocked progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new agreement will see North Macedonia change its constitution to allow for more minority rights, including using the Bulgarian language in some areas. In return, Bulgaria will drop its objections to North Macedonia’s membership bid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The deal was reached after months of negotiations and is seen as a major breakthrough in relations between the two countries. It is also likely to be welcomed by the European Union, which has been pushing for North Macedonia to resolve its dispute with Bulgaria to move closer to joining the bloc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
North Macedonia’s prime minister, Zoran Zaev, said the agreement was a “historic moment” for his country. “This is a big day not only for North Macedonia but also for the whole region,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Former Bulgarian prime minister, Boyko Borisov, said the deal would lead to closer relations between the two countries. “We are opening a new page in our relations,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said, “It was a historic opportunity, and you seized it,” calling it a “big step on your path towards a European future.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n