The Montenegrin scenario with a timeframe of six months for opening membership negotiations is the most auspicious option Macedonia expects from the European Council and the EU Summit, government sources say. According to this option, in January next year, Macedonia will begin preparing a framework for membership negotiations, for which, according to the same sources, it is fully prepared at the moment. The name issue will probably have to be resolved during this period as well. The issue, however, will remain under UN auspices and the EU is not going to seek a different institutional way of resolving it but will work together with the government on the preparations for membership negotiations.

The decision is expected to be taken Tuesday by the ministers of foreign affairs of the EU. However, if no consensus is reached, the final decision may be left to the heads of state and government at the summit to be held Thursday and Friday.