The French Ambassador to Bulgaria, Florence Robine, said in an interview with a TV show on BNT that she was aware that there was a dispute between Sofia and Skopje, but that the most important thing according to her was the need to create an opportunity for reconciliation between the two countries.

Robine stressed that this is not about giving the green light for the entry of the Republic of Macedonia into the European Union, but the start of negotiations, which will take several years.

She spoke about the priorities of France during the upcoming presidency, which begins on January 1, 2022, which include taking steps to open positive paths for the Republic of Macedonia, and not to happen a situation in which the country would be destabilized. In addition, she added, Bulgaria, an EU member, could act in a way that would help.

The French ambassador said that at the same time the legal interests of Bulgaria should be protected.

Robine stressed that the Balkan countries are in the heart of Europe.

It is a fact from both a geographical and a historical point of view. The Balkans played a very important role in the fate of Europe and that is why President Macron is convinced that Europe should take greater engagement in the Balkans, both politically and economically. Efforts should be made for investment, for infrastructure development, for more solidarity, she said.

According to Robine, from a political point of view, it is necessary to make known the political perspective in the Balkans.