Spokesperson for Foreign and Security Policy, Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Maja Kocijancic, has described as "encouraging" Skopje's intention to maintain good neighborly relations. According to her, Brussels welcomes the clear commitment of the new Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev to improve relations with neighbors, including Bulgaria.

Good neighborly relations are of key importance, especially in this region, and that is why these signs are encouraging and we hope the countries will continue in the same spirit," Maja Kocijancic added. In its reports on Macedonia, the EC has repeatedly called on Skopje to resolve bilateral issues with its neighbors.

Since 2012, Bulgaria has made the signing of a bilateral neighborly agreement a requirement for its support for starting negotiations over Macedonia's EU accession.