French Ambassador to Macedonia Christian Thimonier reminded the public that the issue is not just about opening the accession talks with the EU, but also meeting the criteria for this. France vetoed the opening of accession talks for Macedonia and Albania in October, as its President Emmanuel Macron is calling for major structural reforms to both the enlargement process and the EU itself.

The opening of EU accession talks need to reflect you achievements, in order for it to be a success both for you and for Europe. The goal is not just to open the accession talks, but to meet all criteria, Thimonier said during a lecture on the French foreign policy in the South East Europe University in Tetovo.

The Ambassador said that the French goal is to create an independent Europe, which will work with all its member states, and with all the countries of the world. He called on Macedonian students to learn French and study in France, pointing out that few ethnic Albanian students are choosing this path.