All News on Politics in Macedonia
Official: Bulgaria Closed its Borders
From midnight Bulgaria officially closed its borders to third countries at all border checkpoints, no matter what the vehicles are.
The measure effectively applies to our borders with Turkey, Northern Macedonia and Serbia and will remain in force until April 17th. An important clarification is that this ban does not affect nationals of EU Member States and their families.
NATO welcomes North Macedonia as 30th ally
NATO foreign ministers welcomed North Macedonia as the alliance's newest member on Thursday, ending a long process that included a change to the country's name.
"We welcome North Macedonia as NATO's 30th ally," NATO foreign ministers said in a statement following a video conference, which North Macedonia's minister was part of as a full member.
Greece congratulates North Macedonia on NATO membership
The Greek Foreign Ministry has congratulated North Macedonia for becoming the 30th member of NATO.
"We congratulate the Republic of North Macedonia that joins NATO as the 30th member of our alliance. We welcome our neighbors to the NATO family and look forward to working together as allies," it tweeted.
The Government of Northern Macedonia has Imposed a Total Ban on Movement on Weekends
The government of Northern Macedonia has decided today to introduce a movement ban for all citizens from 4 pm to 5 am on weekends to limit the spread of coronavirus, BTA reported.
The government's decision was announced by government spokesman after today's press conference by Health Minister Venko Filipce, who announced a new death and new COVID-19 cases.
Bulgaria Suspends Entry and Transit of Lorries Travelling to Turkey
By order of Minister of Health, Kiril Ananiev, the entry into and transit through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria of heavy goods vehicles travelling to the Republic of Turkey and arriving from the following countries is temporarily suspended as of March 25:
Stoltenberg: Northern Macedonia will Become a NATO Member Soon
Northern Macedonia will become a NATO member soon, all NATO countries have completed the process of ratifying its membership protocol. This was announced by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, presenting his annual report on the state of NATO in 2019.
Albania, North Macedonia Expect Good News on EU Talks
EU ambassadors are to make a decision on Thursday on a draft document agreeing the start of accession talks for Albania and North Macedonia.
If they approve the draft, the decision is expected to be confirmed later this month by EU foreign ministers and prime ministers, who are set to convene, probably via video conferences, on March 24 and 26 respectively.
The President of Northern Macedonia has Declared a State of Emergency
Macedonian President Stevo Pendarovski has declared a state of emergency throughout Northern Macedonia, BGNES reported.
In a statement to the nation, Pendarovski said this was necessary to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Prime Minister Oliver Spasovski called on parliament to declare a state of emergency because of the spread of COVID-19 at noon today.
North Macedonia clears last NATO membership hurdle
North Macedonia on Tuesday cleared the final hurdle to becoming the 30th member of the NATO military alliance after the Spanish Senate ratified its accession.
Spain's office at NATO said that 259 of the 264 senators endorsed the move. The bill was immediately signed by King Felipe and will be submitted to the US State Department for official confirmation within the next 72 hours.
Navy ship to bring 450 migrants to mainland ahead of deportation, minister says
A total of 450 migrants who arrived in Lesvos after March 1 will be transferred by navy ship to closed camps on the mainland ahead of their deportation, Migration Minister Notis Mitarakis said in a television interview on Saturday.
Bulgaria Celebrates 77 Years from Rescue of Its Jews
Bulgarian authorities are commemorating the 77th anniversary of Sofia's move to save thousands of jews living on its territory from deportation during World War Two.
"Measures against Belgrade to be introduced"
He explained that such measures are being introduced instead of suspending fees, because "he wants Kosovo to act as an independent state, which it is".
"Reciprocity will happen because we have decided to act as an independent state. Just as we are.
Tensions rise as more migrants reach Greek border
An increasing number of migrants is amassing at Greece's eastern border, abetted by neighboring Turkey, which provides buses to transport them to the area and has left its own border open.
Overnight tension continued, with some migrant throwing rocks at Greek police and the latter replying with tear gas and stun grenades.
Serbia Dismisses Kosovo’s ‘Fraudulent’ Decision to Partly Scrap Tarrifs
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Friday dismissed the decision of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti to partly lift tariffs on Serbian imports as "another attempted fraud".