Zoran Zaev avoided the press following his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday, but today he issued a video address on the matter.

Zaev insists that Merkel assured him that Germany will approve the opening of EU accession talks with Macedonia in September. Zaev was initially hoping that Germany will not only support Macedonia on the issue but will push other countries, like France and the Netherlands to support Macedonia’s EU talks, but instead it turned out that Zaev needs to get the Bundestag on board.

The friendly meeting with Chancellor Merkel was the kind of meeting fitting for countries which are strategic partners. North Macedonia delivered on what was expected from us and we are seen in a very favorable light. Chancellor Merkel informed me that the Bundestag will make its decision in September and will approve the opening of EU accession talks with North Macedonia, in accordance with the German procedures related to EU expansion, Zaev says in the video address.

The press release issued by Merkel’s office contained no mention of EU accession talks.