French Minister for European Affairs Amelie de Montchalin would not reply directly whether France will support the opening of accession talks with Macedonia in October. De Montchalin praised Macedonia for accepting to change its name, saying not many countries would accept to do that, but also blamed the country for rule of law issues.

– Regarding the situation in North Macedonia, I believe it is necessary to welcome the historic Prespa treaty. I’m not sure many governments in this world would be so brave on issues of regional reconciliation to go so far as to change the name of their country. We need to welcome the political courage. But I will not pressupose the decisions of the Council in Luxembourg on October 15th. We are working to reach a clear and fundamental decision. I think it is also important to look back – the negotiations can’t be used to conceal the depth of the challenges we face in the Western Balkans. Of course there are problems with the rule of law, with public procurement, public services. But for me it is crucial to secure economic, cultural, societal development for the young of the Western Balkans, so they can stay in the countries where they are born. The brain drain, the mass emigration from different Balkan countries, is a big challenge for me, De Montchalin said when pressed on the issue by an SDSM member of Parliament at the Council of Europe.

France is the main opponent of opening EU accession talks with Macedonia, as its President Macron cites the dangers of adding too many countries to the Union.