On the eve of Tuesday’s meeting of EU FMs, Handelsblatt conveys PM Zoran Zaev’s optimism about a positive decision. “I expect positive and clear conclusions that will determine that we will start this year membership negotiations and, with that, get additional motivation for the reform process in North Macedonia,” Zaev tells the German newspaper. As far as the optimistic scenario about future integration into the EU, the PM says it will depend on both sides. “Becoming EU an EU member in 2025 or 2030. I don’t know,” he points out, adding that the most important thing was that the reforms on that path would benefit the country.