Skopje, 22 July 2021 (MIA) – Our key goal is Europeanisation of our country, not just EU membership. We’ve been really committed to the process even though we became candidate country in 2005 and for 16,5 years we’ve been waiting for the next step. We’re aware that some five or 10+ years could pass before we become a member of the bloc, but the EU has to fulfil its promises and allow us to make the next step, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said. Unfortunately, the EU didn’t keep the promise to the citizens of North Macedonia and now, disappointment is very high, Zaev told Deutsche Welle’s Conflict Zone political show. He stressed that Europeanisation and EU membership have no alternative. “There’s no alternative because of the bloc’s values that bring better and prosperous future. The Western Balkans countries, like an island surrounded by the EU, could yield to other influences,” Zaev said. Asked about North Macedonia’s EU path alongside Albania, the PM said the two countries were coupled for practical reason, noting that each country should be merited individually although North Macedonia had experienced similar situation several years ago when Tirana’s process was blocked. The current government, Zaev added, through the Prespa Agreement with Greece and the Friendship Treaty with Bulgaria had managed to solve decades-long disputes in European manner. As regards Europeanisation of the country, PM Zaev said North Macedonia is a positive example in the region being a multiethnic and multi-confessional functional democracy. Regarding the hurdles with Bulgaria on the country’s EU path, he voiced optimism that after the formation of a political government in Sofia, an opportunity will arise to settle these issues. “The government of North Macedonia keeps the course of commitment and friendship,” Zaev concluded.