Von der Leyen: We are doing everything for the country to open negotiations for the first cluster, but it is necessary to also work out the constitutional changes

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Skopje – The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized today in Skopje at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski that the EU is making every effort to ensure that the country opens negotiations for the first cluster “Foundations,” but added that constitutional amendments need to be developed as well.

Von der Leyen, in response to a journalist’s question on whether she considers the conditions placed on the country for constitutional amendments to be discriminatory and whether constitutional amendments with delayed effect are acceptable, said that the EU will help North Macedonia to fulfill the obligation it has taken on every part of the journey. 

– We will help to implement the obligation that North Macedonia has taken on as a sovereign country for every part of the journey. For me, it is very important that we have a clear goal. I am working as much as I can so that we can open the negotiations for the “Foundations” cluster, this is our short-term goal for now, and the constitutional changes need to be developed. For me, that is important, it is also important and in the interest of North Macedonia to be successful, and that is why I want to assure you that we will be with you on every part of the journey to reach the common goal. You can count on us. And it is really important to me, not to look back too much but to look to the future, and we want to write the next chapter of our shared future together, said the President of the EC.

According to her, the EU has a clear goal, which is to open the first cluster as soon as possible. – We are almost there; the constitutional changes that your country has agreed to make need to pass. With joint dialogue, I hope that all political forces will unite in the country and make the necessary joint steps for progress, and I am confident, just like you, that we can overcome the existing obstacles. Dear Hristijan, be sure that enlargement will remain a top priority of the European Commission in the next five years. We now have all the necessary tools and instruments to make this possible, she said.

The President of the EC pointed out that North Macedonia has achieved a lot and that it has shown determination in taking every step. – And I really want to commend North Macedonia and pay tribute to the people. Now the work really needs to continue, said Von der Leyen. (October 24)

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