Two days after the overthrow of the Bulgarian government, the Assembly approved the lifting of the veto on North Macedonia, which also kept Albania blocked for the opening of EU integration negotiations.

“The decision was approved by 170 votes in favor, 37 against and 21 abstained,” said Deputy Speaker Atanas Atanasov after the vote.

Since 2020, Bulgaria had blocked the path of integration of North Macedonia in the EU, which consequently hindered Albania, as both countries are treated in groups.

This decision comes a day after the EU summit did not reach any results for EU enlargement with the countries of the Western Balkans, while Albania and North Macedonia clearly expressed their disappointment. Prime Minister Edi Rama has even described it as Bulgaria’s hostage-taking against the two NATO countries, which has led to his clashes with the Bulgarian government over the language used.

The EU Summit is taking place today, while it is expected that there may be positive developments for Albania and North Macedonia.

Bulgaria vetoed the language and history dispute, urging North Macedonia to recognize that the Macedonian language has Bulgarian roots and to recognize the country’s Bulgarian minority in its constitution.

/Klara Ruci/