Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European Affairs Bojan Maricik, in a live broadcast on TV24 news from Paris, informed about the activities within the working visit to Paris and the event "Balkan Dialogues", hosted by the French Senate.

-We had an open and honest discussion about the future of the Western Balkans in the European Union, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine, which is a good message on May 9, that France is interested in discussing  the enlargement," Maricik said. This is not a guarantee that negotiations will start, but it is a good sign that we have the attention of France.

At the meeting, the political actors from Europe and the Western Balkans reaffirmed the importance of continuing the integration process and avoiding further blockades and vetoes.

- We know how important it is for both the EU and us to seize the moment of the French presidency and take a leap forward. We had a strong position here that we have really done everything that can be done and that we are ready to start negotiations as soon as possible, Maricik said.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that so far there have been no official mediators in the talks with Bulgaria, but each EU presidency has contributed and made an effort to reach a solution, as was the case with Germany, Portugal, Slovenia, pointing out that we have the attention of France and that there is a desire to make additional efforts, but how and in what form, we will see in the coming period.

Regarding the relations with Bulgaria, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the readiness to continue the talks on a principled basis, adhering to the protection of our identity and European values, in order to find a solution that will be dignified and sustainable and that will really open the door for start of the negotiations.

- We have clear positions that we want to reach an agreement through a comprehensive document which will clearly define the obligations of both North Macedonia and Bulgaria, as well as what steps should be taken until the veto is lifted and how and what steps would be taken after the lifting the veto, confirmed Maricik, emphasizing that they did not commit to a date, but this chance should be taken, because any delay reduces the chance for a solution and does not work in favour of a solution.