Shtip, 29 May 2025 (MIA) – Italian Ambassador to the Republic of North Macedonia, Paolo Palminteri, believes that the obstacles currently facing Bulgaria and Macedonia are not so complex that they cannot be overcome.

Palminteri was speaking in Shtip on Thursday, responding to a reporter’s question on whether he is optimistic about resolving the dispute between Skopje and Sofia, which remains a barrier to North Macedonia starting EU accession talks.

“I believe the obstacles between Bulgaria and Macedonia are not too complex to be resolved. That’s why I’m optimistic that the European integration process will proceed smoothly,” Palminteri said.

He added that although the negotiations are stalled, other planned processes are progressing as expected.

“As you know, the Growth Plan has already been approved. When, in the future, all the conditions mature regarding North Macedonia’s accession to the EU, the country will be fully prepared to integrate into the European process,” Palminteri said.

He added that Italy, of course, hopes the Republic of North Macedonia will be fully integrated into the EU as soon as possible.

The Italian Ambassador was speaking today at the Faculty of Law at Goce Delchev University, where he attended an education event ‘100%-Who Controls Your Choices?’ focused on modern challenges related to violence and manipulation through social media.

Photo: MIA