Zoran Zaev insisted today that he expects Macedonia to be given a date to open European Union accession talks this June or July, despite the clear unwillingness on the part of key EU member states such as France. Zaev insists that “North Macedonia” finished its homework, the name change and the reform laws.

All that remains is the law on public prosecutors, which I believe we will push through Parliament shortly after the presidential elections. All other conditions we met, said Zaev.

He told the press about all the accolades he received from Angela Merkel during the Berlin summit on the Balkans. “All the speakers began and concluded their remarks talking about the Prespa treaty. They told us we are a shining example for the region, they asked us to help other countries resolve their issues in the same way”, Zaev said.

After insisting that Macedonia was already given approval to begin EU accession talks this June, Zaev faces the prospect of having the main prize for the name change yanked away from him, and the realization that Macedonia will be stood up is hitting home ahead of the crucial second round of the presidential elections. His comments today were insistent that the EU promise must be kept.

We were given four targets, to fight corruption and organized crime, reform the judiciary, reform the security structures and the public administration. All was accomplished. This is why I believe that we met all pre-conditions to receive a positive recommendation to have a date to begin EU accession talks. The least we deserve is a positive recommendation for a date for accession talks. If we delivered, the EU is duty bound to deliver as well, Zaev kept repeating.