Central European

Photo Illustration: Unsplash / Jeremy Wong Weddings

According to official figures from Southeast and Central European statistical agencies, the number of marriages dropped significantly in 2020 during the pandemic, presumably because of social distancing measures and strict bans on public gatherings in many countries.

But the French and the Dutch are not the only ones to blame. Although German Chancellor Angela Merkel has come out strongly in favor of the North Macedonian bid, the German parliament was decidedly lukewarm about opening negotiations.