Borel: North Macedonia and Albania are ready for the next step of joining the EU

THE Joseph Borel welcomed the EU’s proposal to find a solution to the dispute between North Macedonia and Bulgaria and emphasized that the two Balkan states are ready to take the next step towards joining the Union.

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken initially welcomed the EU’s proposal to find a solution to the dispute between North Macedonia and Bulgaria and pointed out that the decision in Skopje will be important for their European path .

“At this critical moment in European history, characterized by Russia’s unwarranted aggression against Ukraine, advancing its course Albania and North Macedonia to the EU is key to strengthening the cohesion and resilience of the entire European continent. Based on shared values ​​and EU standards and criteria, both countries are ready to take the next step towards EU membership,” said the High Representative for Foreign Affairs of the European Union, together with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in a joint statement .

“We welcome the compromise proposal that takes into account the interests and concerns of both North Macedonia and Bulgaria based on mutual respect, trust and understanding. The sovereign decision of the Parliament of North Macedonia will be important to move forward. This spirit of constructive compromise on which European integration is built should continue to inspire all those involved in this historic process,” they note.

“The European Union and the United States are committed to closer cooperation in the Western Balkans. Ensuring stability and prosperity and realizing their European and Euro-Atlantic future remains our common goal,” the two officials concluded in their statement.