Brussels, 16 July 2022 (MIA) - Top EU officials on Saturday welcomed Parliament's move to pass conclusions for the French proposal. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Parliament on the decision that paves the way for the opening of the accession negotiations rapidly. "It was a historic opportunity. And you seized it. A big step on your path towards a European future. Your future," she tweeted. Also writing on Twitter, European Council President Charles Michel said the Parliament vote paves the way to holding intergovernmental conference with North Macedonia next week. "A crucial step for North Macedonia and for the EU. Our future is together and we welcome you with open arms," he said. EU Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi in a tweet welcomed the result of today’s vote that gives clear mandate for the government to start the first intergovernmental conference based on the French proposal. We look forward to open accession negotiations. North Macedonia belongs to the EU," he said.