Skopje, 30 May 2025 (MIA) - The European Parliament’s Rapporteur for the country, Thomas Waitz, told BTV that the European Parliament's report on the Republic of North Macedonia mentions the Macedonian language and Macedonian identity, and he sees no problem with that. 

"With all due respect - all cultures, identities and nationalities in Europe are closely intertwined. I say this as an Austrian, as a Slovenian, as a Hungarian, as a citizen of the European Union," Waitz said ahead of next week's vote in the European Parliament on the report. 

Previously, in an interview with 360 Degrees, he said that in the draft report on the country, there are several references to the recognition of Macedonian language and Macedonian identity, regarding which Bulgarian MEPs have attacked him of being biased, but according to him "no doubt Macedonians are Macedonians and the Macedonian language is the Macedonian language." 

"In the draft, how it is now, there are several references to the recognition of Macedonian language and Macedonian identity. I personally feel sorry that this is needed, because no doubt Macedonians are Macedonians and the Macedonian language is the Macedonian language. I personally would not see the need to pronounce that. But due to some question marks that have been raised, very much by the Bulgarian side, that Macedonian is an independent language differentiating itself from Bulgarian, and that also Macedonian identity has been questioned, not just by Bulgarian neighbours but on the earlier stage also by your Greek neighbours, it is needed to mention this and this is what has been included in the draft report. There's a clear mentioning of the reality of independent Macedonian identity and language," said Waitz.

He expects majority for the report in the European Parliament. 

"I expect majority for a constructive report, there's a big majority of groups in the European Parliament that support the accession process of North Macedonia. So, I think this will result into a big majority. The report will only be voted next week, so the final result will only be known next week when we see how the different members of the European Parliament and especially the Foreign Policy Committee voted. But the draft that is prepared is clearly addressing the needed steps for the next stage - opening of the negotiations," Waitz said. 

Photo: MIA archive