North Macedonia: Skopje accepts compromise allowing EU accession negotiations

MPs from North Macedonia's ruling SDSM party hold European Union and North Macedonian flags, during a parliamentary debate on the agreement reached under the aegis of France to settle the disputes with Bulgaria and pave the way for EU membership, in Skopje, July 16, 2022. REUTERS - OGNEN TEOFILOVSKI

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The procedure for North Macedonia's accession to the EU will accelerate: after months of negotiations, the former Yugoslav Republic adopted a compromise described as historic with neighboring Bulgaria, which blocked its accession.

An agreement negotiated under the aegis of France which angers the opposition and part of the Macedonian population.

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A historic compromise for some, a "

capitulation to Bulgaria

" for others: the text adopted this Saturday has not finished sparking controversy within the Macedonian population. 

Parliament's vote took place in the absence of deputies who accuse this agreement of endangering the Macedonian language and identity.

Among the concessions obtained by Bulgaria: North Macedonia will have to recognize the Bulgarian minority in its Constitution, revise its school programs and open the police archives during the communist era. 

An agreement acceptable to the ruling party, which sees above all the possibility of speeding up negotiations for its accession to the European Union – negotiations blocked for two years by Bulgaria's veto. 

🇲🇰 Congratulations to North Macedonia on the vote that now paves the way for opening the accession negotiations rapidly.



It was a historic opportunity.



And you seized it.



A big step on your path towards a European future.

Your future.

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) July 16, 2022

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the vote.

“

This is a historic opportunity.

And you grabbed it.

A big step forward towards a European future,

” she wrote on her Twitter account. 

Not sure that this message is enough to appease the anger of opponents of this agreement, and to put an end to the sometimes violent demonstrations which have broken out in the streets of Skopje in recent weeks.  

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To read also:

Faced with the blocking of European integration, the Prime Minister of North Macedonia resigns

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  • North Macedonia

  • Bulgaria

  • Ursula von der Leyen

  • European Union