We support the opening of accession negotiations between Northern Macedonia and the EU as soon as possible

Croatia is hoping that accession negotiations between Northern Macedonia and Albania with the European Union will start as soon as possible, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman said in Skopje today.
The Minister is on a two-day visit to Northern Macedonia, where he met with his counterpart Bujar Osmani, after which he will meet with Macedonian Vice Prime Minister for European Affairs Bojan Maričić, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovačevski, Speaker of the Parliament Talat Xhaferi as well as President of the Republic of North Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski.
Minister Grlić Radman emphasized that Northern Macedonia and Croatia are two friendly countries without open issues, and that excellent relations have been confirmed by active dialogue at all levels.
The Croatian Minister said that the decision to open accession negotiations was made on the initiative of Croatia during its presidency of the EU at the beginning of 2020. Bulgaria's veto over identity and language issues emerged, leaving two Western Balkan states still unable to open negotiations, but Sofia is under pressure from members to lift the blockade.
„We sincerely hope for the start of accession negotiations with the two countries as soon as possible“, said Minister Grlić Radman, adding that Croatia will continue to share its knowledge and experience from the time of its negotiation process.
After the meeting, Minister Osmani said that Croatia is well acquainted with relations in the region and that support from Zagreb on its European path is important to Skopje.
During his visit the Croatian Foreign Minister will meet with representatives of the Croatian community in Northern Macedonia, and take part in the Prespa Dialogue Forum on Thursday in a panel discussion on the Western Balkans.
Source: Croatian News Agency/ MFEA

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