Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said he will travel to Rome in November, following the initiative from Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte to raise the issue of EU enlargement again, but said he will “tone down” his optimism this time. Zaev also mocked French President Emmanuel Macron, for his veto of the Macedonian and Albanian accession talks, reminding him that the two countries wouldn’t join the EU in as much as a decade.

I will tone down my hope and optimism. Remember, I was the biggest optimist. We did our work and, God willing, we would open the EU chapters as soon as possible once they reach their decision. I welcome all initiatives. Prime Minister Conte is very vocal, he invited me for lunch on November 29th. We will make statements and then I go for the final dinner with Federica Mogherini and the Western Balkans Prime Ministers. Conte is inviting me on this issue, that a GAC is to be held in November and we will revert to the issue of enlargement which is good for my country, Zaev said during an interview on Monday evening.

Italy was outspoken in opposition to the idea to decouple Macedonia from Albania. This could’ve helped open the accession talks for Macedonia alone, but due to opposition from Italy, Germany and Spain, the push was derailed and both countries were vetoed together. Zaev said that the decision is a historic mistake by French President Macron, after many promises given to Macedonia.

I do not underestimate President Macron. We will take seven to 10 years to join the EU. We will become an EU member once we’ve transformed on the inside and are truly ready. We don’t need to join immediately. And given all that, the debate that is being opened, whether we should join at all, give me a break! In ten years much can happen, much can change in Europe, in each of the countries, Zaev said about Macron’s veto.