Macron: Thank you Bulgaria, Congratulations North Macedonia

French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Bulgaria and congratulated North Macedonia on the decision voted by the National Assembly on Friday to accept the French compromise to lift the veto for the start of negotiations on Skopje's EU membership.

"I thank the Bulgarian Prime Minister, the coalition partners and the opposition parties that voted (the decision). Congratulations to North Macedonia on progress. There is still work to be done, but it is still progress," Macron told a news conference at the end of the EU summit in Brussels.

Late Thursday, Emmanuel Macron called on Bulgarian politicians to support the French compromise proposal, saying it was their European duty.

The French president said the presidency would continue talks with Bulgaria and North Macedonia in the coming days, and that he was ready to quickly formalize a decision to begin talks with Albania and North Macedonia by the end of June when the French presidency ends.

Resigned Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said that the French compromise has the support of the other EU countries and now the issue is to be accepted by Skopje:

"Bulgaria has taken its step and European leaders appreciate this. Bulgarian demands are now becoming European and it is time for the government of North Macedonia to lead its nation forward," Petkov said after the summit.

He expressed confidence that "with the help of the European nation and NATO partners, difficulties will be overcome" and the government will accept the compromise.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister also said that in his opinion the proposal is good for Skopje as well, as it will allow the start of negotiations and will protect the rights of all...