North Macedonia's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev has called snap elections following a decision by EU leaders to postpone opening membership talks with his country and neighbouring Albania.

Axar.az reports citing

French President Emanuel Macron blocked the bid at an EU summit in Brussels.

"We are the victims of the EU's historical mistake," said Mr Zaev.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker - and other European leaders - have used the same phrase to voice criticism of the summit outcome.

EU Council President Donald Tusk said: "It's not a failure, it's a mistake. I feel really embarrassed."

The Commission and the European Parliament had recommended starting talks with both countries.