The European movement in the Republic of North Macedonia, which is an active actor in the country’s European integration processes for more than three decades, appreciates the efforts of the European Union, as well as the current efforts of France, to lift the Bulgarian veto and start negotiations with RN Macedonia for its membership in the European Union. However, considering the atmosphere among citizens and their concern for the future of the country, we express certain reservations that mainly stem from the speed with which the Proposal should be adopted. The entire manner of its presentation (the initial and supposedly modified proposal) leaves room for doubt and ignites resistance among the people, primarily due to the approach that creates an atmosphere of urgency (Now or never!).
The official documents published on the website of the Government is a general outline of the conditions that RN Macedonia has to fulfill. Relying on the statements from the media, that is, on the statement of the Ambassador of the Republic of France in Sofia that the New French proposal is actually not new, a position that is confirmed by other Bulgarian politicians who express satisfaction with what has been achieved. The bilateral protocol enables Bulgarian conditions to become European, which will give Bulgaria the opportunity, whenever it wants, to put pressure on Macedonia through Brussels. After all, this could also be heard from the deputies in the Bulgarian Parliament when they discussed the Proposal adding additional conditions.
Considering the facts about the dynamics of the European integration process in the Western Balkans, we can see that the process is complex and very long – even for countries that do not have bilateral disputes. Strictly burdening the negotiation framework with bilateral disputes would mean directing resources and energy towards solving problems that will take us away from the extremely important reform process (strengthening the rule of law, fighting corruption, dealing with climate change and other important areas). Bulgaria’s intention to exercise control over the negotiation process is obvious.
We welcome the urgent granting of candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova, however, the European Union should show more interest in the European integration process of the Western Balkans, accelerating the process of integration into the Union, primarily due to the new geostrategic circumstances.
