The parliament of Northern Macedonia has dissolved itself. Elections are being held on April 12, eight months before the end of the current parliamentary term.
Parliament’s decision was supported by 108 of the 120 delegates and follows the resignation of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev last month. Zaev resigned because he could not deliver on his most important election promise: joining the European Union. Brussels did not want to set a date to start the discussions about it. Zaev called that a “historical error”.
The upcoming parliamentary elections are seen as a big test for Zaev and his Social Democratic party. One of the questions is whether his pro-EU policy receives support.
France against
In October refused to authorize French President Macron for the talks between Northern Macedonia and the EU. Despite concerns about the influence of China and Russia on the Balkans, France wants the EU to first reform the accession process.
Northern Macedonia had hoped that it would have a date on which to start the talks, because it last year the dispute with Greece settled by changing the name of the country from Macedonia to Northern Macedonia.
Balkan countries and EU membership
In addition to Northern Macedonia, Albania also hopes to be able to join the EU quickly. The Netherlands believes that much remains to be done, especially in Albania. Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Kosovo are also interested in EU membership.
EU President Michel met with leaders of the six Balkan countries together with President of the European Commission Von der Leyen and EU foreign chief Borrell last night. “We are going to look at how we can deepen our partnership with these countries, strengthen their European perspective and give signals about the reforms to be implemented,” Michel said.
In May there will be a summit in Zagreb with the EU and the six countries. Von der Leyen said that Northern Macedonia and Albania should be cleared for accession negotiations, possibly before that summit in May.
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