What is French proposal that paves the way for Albania's EU membership, RMV

The French proposal envisions overcoming differences between Skopje and Sofia regarding the Macedonian language, identity and historical past, while the Bulgarian side seeks from the Macedonian side to include the Bulgarian minority in the pre-mix of the Constitution as equal to other peoples.

What the French proposal contains

The French proposal consists of seven points. The most controversial part is the question of language and historical past, which is part of the good neighbourly agreement with Bulgaria, and as such, this agreement is involved in the French proposal.

At the third point, the third point points out, “on the North Macedonia road towards membership in the European Union, the Council recalls the importance of achieving tangible results and the trustful implementation of bilateral agreements, including the Prespa Agreement with Greece and the (continent) good neighbourly agreement with Bulgaria”.

In the French proposal, the Macedonian language is defined as such -- that is, Macedonian language without additional or intangible clarifications -- while it is said that the EU will swim the statements of two states, Northern Macedonia and Bulgaria, in terms of language.

At the fourth point of the French proposal, along with the obligation to implement reforms, the Council in this direction welcomes the goal of North Macedonia to begin and achieve constitutional changes as a priority issue, aimed at involvement in the Constitutions of citizens living within the borders of the state and being part of other people, such as Bulgarians”.

By means of the French proposal, overstepping the differences North Macedonia has with Bulgaria and unblocking the start of membership talks with the European family.

Macedonian Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, in his speech to MPs, which was followed by whistles from the opposition, said the Government is located “stands on the road to protecting Macedonian language, identity, historical and cultural features of the Macedonian people through its equality with European nations”.

But the deputies of VMRO- The DPMNE continued on charges against the Government for “national electricity” after, according to them, the French “proposal destroys Macedonian language and national identity”.

Opposition MPs have not even been convinced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's statement, which in the address to MPs Thursday, said the proposal guarantees the Macedonian language and that no one should be concerned about his identity.

Disagreements on these issues have caused Bulgaria, as a member of the European Union, to block the launch of northern Macedonia's EU membership negotiations for more than two years.

European Union leaders have welcomed the Macedonian Parliament's vote in favour of the French proposal, warning that the first intergovernmental EU conferences with northern Macedonia and Albania will be held next week, formally opening membership negotiations.

“Congratulations on northern Macedonia for voting, which now paves the way for the quick opening of membership negotiations. It was a historic occasion and you used it. A major step towards your future, the European future”, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyeen said.

European Council President Charles Michel has reacted similarly.

“Our future is shared and we welcome you with open hands”, he wrote on social networks, adding that the 16 July vote was a major step of North Macedonia towards the EU.

Membership negotiations are expected at the same time to begin both for northern Macedonia and Albania.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has welcomed Skopje's decision, and has also warned that Albania will start membership negotiations next week