The President of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen, has congratulated North Macedonia on the approval of the French proposal, which paves the way for the country’s EU membership.

Von Der Leyen writes that for North Macedonia this was a historic opportunity and it “seized it”.

“Congratulations to North Macedonia for the vote that now paves the way for the rapid opening of membership negotiations. It was a historic opportunity. And you got it. A big step on your way to a European future. Your future”, writes Ursula von der Leyen on Twitter.

With 68 votes in favor, none against and no abstentions, the Assembly of North Macedonia on July 16 approved the French proposal for resolving the dispute with Bulgaria, which will pave the way for the European integration process.

The vote comes after this proposal was debated in the Assembly of North Macedonia for three days.

/Klara Ruci/