Zaev: new methodology for EU accession negotiationswould give us a fair chance

The new methodology for EU accession negotiations can be adapted by the first intergovernmental conference, which takes place a few months after the decision to start talks is reached, said Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev.

“The new methodology would give us a fair chance. If we succeed, we move forward. If we don’t, we go back. It’s a good way to transform candidate countries,” Zaev said.

The prime minister also underlined hopes for speedy start of accession talks.

The meeting between North Macedonia’s President Stevo Pendarovski and French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, Zaev added, will be an opportunity to present our accomplishments and the expectations we have for Macron to make a responsible decision about North Macedonia.

“France is a friend of North Macedonia. We’re not asking them for immediate accession, only to keep us motivated to continue implementing reforms and transforming our society. The meeting is an excellent way for the French president to learn more about us,” Zaev said.

The ‘small Schengen’ idea, he underlined, is a way to promote multilateral cooperation between the six Western Balkan states.

“Enabling cross-border travel with IDs, mutual documents recognition and making the lives of citizens easier is all part of the Berlin Process,” said PM Zaev