The negotiations continue between North Macedonia and Bulgaria for lifting the Bulgarian veto on the start of EU membership negotiations by North Macedonia.

In an interview with the Bulgarian National Radio, North Macedonia’s special envoy to Bulgaria Vlado Bučkovski described his appointment as a strong signal that a joint solution is being sought to the controversial issues that will not be to the detriment of either side.

“We have sincere intentions and the desire to prove that we believe in the Goodneighbour and Friendship Agreement,” Bučkovski said, and added that he was optimistic that the countries of the Western Balkans, which have a common history, will find a solution regarding this history. Vlado Bučkovski expressed disappointment with the acts by the opposition in North Macedonia, but stressed that these were domestic problems which the country must settle itself.