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North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani affirmed that Bulgaria's potential future demands on his country would not disrupt its European Union (EU) accession negotiations, highlighting the EU's framework as a barrier against such issues. Osmani made these remarks during a joint news conference with Albanian Foreign Minister Igli Hasani, prior to a meeting of the US-Adriatic Charter Partnership Commission.
Responding to comments made by Bulgarian Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel about Sofia's conditions for unblocking North Macedonia's EU accession talks, Osmani emphasized that the EU summit document excluded additional demands beyond the negotiating framework. He stressed that protocols between Bulgaria and North Macedonia were not part of the EU's formal negotiation criteria, asserting that only the framework provisions would shape future relations.
Avoiding political exploitation of the matter ahead of North Macedonia’s elections, Osmani cautioned against debates between Skopje and Sofia. Regarding the potential risk of forfeiting EU funding under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans due to the need for constitutional amendments, Osmani clarified that the European Commission, not member states, will decide funding based on carried-out reforms.
Expressing concern over a repeat of past setbacks due to a lack of reforms, Osmani highlighted the urgent need for constitutional amendments and reforms to avoid jeopardizing the country's EU negotiations. He emphasized the gravity of addressing existential issues, including emigration trends that could significantly impact the country's population.
Osmani concluded by urging the opposition to address these critical issues, cautioning against allowing nationalist forces to impede progress toward securing North Macedonia's future.
A boycott of major retail chains in Croatia has led to an estimated loss of 80 million euros
Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik has once again called for Republika Srpska to separate from Bosnia and Herzegovina
Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski raised questions in parliament about the inclusion of Bulgarians in North Macedonia's constitution while there is no similar requirement for Albania
Konstantinos Tasoulas has been elected as the new president of Greece
Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis announced his resignation on Monday, February 10, stating that he was stepping down to prevent the political crisis that would follow his possible suspension by Parliament
Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti, leading the Self-Determination Movement (Vetevendosje), has secured a victory in the country's recent parliamentary election.
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