The institutions in the Republic of North Macedonia (RNM) need to prove with results that they really strive for European integration, President Radev said at a meeting today in Brussels with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two discussed issues on the agenda of bilateral cooperation and the EU.
 
The consecutive anti-Bulgarian campaign in the RNM, which has led to a number of hate crimes, like arson attacks and shooting against Bulgarian cultural clubs, as well as physical violence against Macedonian Bulgarians, raised questions about the role and responsibility of the institutions in the country, Radev said. The head of State recalled that both Bulgaria and the RNM had accepted the negotiating framework proposed in the framework of the French presidency of the Council of the EU, and the inclusion of Bulgarians in the RNM constitution was a mandatory step before the start of the negotiating process. We observe an lack of political will for reforms and constitutional change, and instead, another anti-Bulgarian campaign is being waged in the country, Radev said.
 
The two presidents noted the good partnership between Bulgaria and France in the energy sector, as well as the prospects for its further development.
 
During the meeting, the Bulgarian head of State expressed Bulgaria's interest in acquiring fighter jets on lease from its allies as a temporary solution to ensure the protection of Bulgarian airspace until the F-16 squadron is delivered.
 
Bulgaria's accession to Schengen and the possible approaches to achieving this was also a focus of the meeting.