The announcement came from Bulgarian President Rumen Radev after parties failed to agree on a new coalition after the collapse of Prime Minister Kiril Petkov government in June.
North Macedonia's foreign minister hails the "historic opportunity" at the signing event, while his Bulgarian counterpart says the agreement contains measures to sort out unresolved bilateral issues.
North Macedonia's constitution will be amended to recognise a Bulgarian minority and in exchange Bulgaria will allow its West Balkan neighbour to start membership talks with the European Union.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledges to support French proposal for North Macedonia to join the EU as well as eliminate Bulgaria’s objections.
Thousands march through the capital Skopje to express anger at what they say is government bartering of national identity and heritage in exchange for EU membership.
Center-right opposition VMRO-DPMNE-led demonstrations deny Emmanuel Macron’s proposal, accusing it of undermining Macedonian identity.
Ruja Ignatova was behind one of the most notorious scams in the frequently treacherous world of crypto currencies.
The decision paves the way for the Bulgarian government to unblock the start of talks in exchange for EU guarantees that North Macedonia will meet Bulgaria's demands on historical and linguistic disputes.
North Macedonia's ambition to start EU membership talks has been stymied by Sofia over long-running disputes, but a change in stance of some Bulgarian opposition forces may resolve the issue.
Bulgaria's coalition government lost a vote of confidence among MPs, bringing fresh political turmoil and the increased likelihood of an early general election.
Opposition political parties' followers criticise the government's economic policies and handling of international relations.
The Human Rights Watch has called on the EU to ensure that Bulgaria immediately stops the “illegal and dehumanising pushbacks” at its borders.
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