Zaev warned the European Union that, unless Macedonia is allowed to begin its EU accession talks in June, his Government may collapse.

Speaking in Brussels, where he is meeting EU officials to plead for the date to begin accession talks, Zaev told the state run MIA news agency and other journalists that there is “danger nationalist forces” return to power in Macedonia.

Each enlargement needs to receive the approval of the Bundestag. The next date for this is June 28th and EU member states can then decide that accession talks begin in the second half of July. The Bundestag must send out a message. If they don’t do so this week, they can do it by the end of June. And if not, there is the European Council in October. There is a risk that we lose our majority in Parliament by then. We gave our all, Zaev warned the European leaders.

Despite the name change and redefinition of Macedonia’s history he imposed on the country, a number of influential EU member states still oppose the opening of accession talks with Macedonia. Intense objection from Greece and reservations from Bulgaria have given way to refusal from much greater countries such as France and the Netherlands. Even Germany opposes opening accession talks in June, the date which Zaev himself promised will be the final deadline.

Zaev was asked if he would resign and if there is danger that “pro-Russian” forces take over, to which he said it can’t be ruled out. Zaev has frequently used the prospect of Russian influence in Macedonia to maintain the intensity of his international support, which was crucial in his 2017 power grab.

The disappointment which will appear among our citizens if there is no date to open EU accession talks will give hope to the nationalist forces. That means that some citizens may support the nationalist, radical forces, and that is not good for North Macedonia and the region, Zaev said, adding that it is possible that, while he is reconstructing his Government, “the European Council may replace me”.

Zaev also opened the prospect of accession talks for Macedonia but not Albania. This option, he said, would be more acceptable to France and the Netherlands, but has “raised concerns in Germany”

The German side fears that if they open accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania is left behind that would cause problems which will reflect on Kosovo. They fear that my friend Edi Rama would issue threats, they fear border changes or unification of Albania with Kosovo. I don’t believe it would happen because it would set Albania back at least a decade if they do so, nobody wants to see that happen, Zaev added.