Austria Pushes for Launch of EU Accession Talks by December
Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Michael Linhart, stated this Thursday from Skopje that official Vienna demands that North Macedonia start EU membership talks to start in December.
In his statement, Linhart said that North Macedonia is an example for the region of implementing reforms.
"He who excludes the Western Balkans weakens Europe. We have pledged, and continue to pledge, that talks will begin in December, that is our request. "We submit this request to our partners in the European Union, and that intensively", said Linhart.
During his stay in Skopje, Linhart stated that Europe would not be complete without the integration of the Western Balkans.
Albania’s EU accession negotiations are closely connected with the one of North Macedonia, but the latter has met a deadlock due to Bulgaria blocking the beginning of the accession talks since November 2020 over disputes regarding language, ethnic minorities, and historical issues.
Bulgaria objects to the notion that the Macedonian language is separate from Bulgarian, insisting it is a Dialect. Sofia also wants Skopje to recognise the Bulgarian origine of the Macedonian nation.