Skopje, 8 November 2023 (MIA) - The European Commission assesses that North Macedonia has maintained good relations with other enlargement countries and continued its engagement in regional initiatives, adding that existing bilateral agreements need to be implemented in good faith by all parties, including the Prespa Agreement between North Macedonia and Greece and the Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation with Bulgaria, including its protocols.

In the section on relations with Bulgaria, EC Progress Report notes that relations have focused on the next steps in North Macedonia’s EU accession negotiations process and on the bilateral commitments under the Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation and its Protocol. It lists the positive steps that the two countries have undertaken to strengthen relations but also the negative developments that have led to certain strain in relations.

"North Macedonia set up an inter-ministerial working group, chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to coordinate implementation of measures provided for in Protocol. Thematic subgroups were also created on: hate speech; rehabilitation of victims of repression from the communist period; implementation of recommendations adopted by the Multidisciplinary Expert Commission on Historical and Educational Issues; and protection against discrimination. The Multidisciplinary Expert Commission on Historical and Educational Issues held several meetings during the reporting period," reads the report.

It says that on October 2022, the President of North Macedonia paid an official visit to Bulgaria, and a month later the Foreign Minister went on an official visit to Sofia. In October 2022, the two Prime Ministers launched the construction works on the eastern railway segment of Corridor VIII in North Macedonia at a ceremony attended by several ministers from both countries. In December 2022, the two Foreign Ministers opened a bilateral business forum in Skopje, at which four agreements worth over EUR 3 million were signed by companies from both countries.

"Bilateral relations were negatively affected by statements made by individual politicians and by several incidents, in particular those relating to Bulgarian cultural clubs, to celebrations of historical events and historical figures, football events and to the denial of entry of citizens, including Members of the European Parliament. The relevant authorities in North Macedonia took some steps to address these situations, and, where necessary, establish accountability, including by launching investigations and bringing those responsible for criminal acts to justice. Further efforts are needed to promote an atmosphere of dialogue and mutual respect," reads the report.

Recommendations are also provided in regard to bilateral relations with Greece.

"Cooperation with Greece intensified, particularly in key areas of mutual interest. Progress was made on implementation of the Prespa Agreement and further efforts should continue in this regard," says the EC.

On foreign relations, the reports notes that North Macedonia has made good progress by maintaining full alignment with EU common foreign and security policy. By doing so, North Macedonia has shown itself to be a reliable partner, including at international level.

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