mk flag go to the original language article
This article has been translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The news agency is not responsible for the content of the translated article. The original was published by MIA.

Weitz: I see readiness of the Government of North Macedonia to progress towards the EU, if there are guarantees that Bulgaria will not have new demands

by AI | 28.Nov 2024 | Europe in brief AI

Regarding the Government’s request for constitutional amendments with deferred effect, Weitz expressed doubts that they could pass. “What is legitimate is that the Government is seeking clarity on the demands, but I do not believe that the request for constitutional amendments with deferred effect will pass,” Weitz said.

The European Parliament rapporteur for North Macedonia, MEP Thomas Waitz at a meeting with Macedonian journalists in Strasbourg. Photo: MIA

“`

Strasbourg – I see indicators that this Government is prepared to move forward in the Euro-integration, if there are guarantees that Bulgaria will not make new demands and block the process further, said Thomas Weitz, the new rapporteur of the European Parliament for North Macedonia, in a meeting with Macedonian journalists, reported the special correspondent of MIA from Strasbourg.

– A change to the Constitution needs to be ensured, but also ensure that there will be no additional demands, this has to be binding and this is the sentiment in the European Union. The Government will hardly be able to explain to the voters if there are no guarantees. We need to work on ensuring guarantees and that there will be no new demands, said the Austrian MEP Weitz, who comes from the Green party.

Regarding the Government’s demand for constitutional amendments with delayed effect, Weitz expressed doubt that they could pass. – What is legitimate is that the Government seeks clarity on the demands, but I do not believe that the request for constitutional amendments with delayed effect will pass, said Weitz.

He emphasized that guarantees must be found so that there will be no further blockades and that at the moment he does not know the exact solution, but in five to six months he could provide a more concrete solution. Weitz assessed that the country has become a victim of the bilateral issue with Bulgaria since the negotiations are not easy, but that the new geostrategic circumstances after the Russian invasion of Ukraine showed that the Western Balkans is not somewhere outside, but in the core of Europe.

Regarding the progress in reforms, Weitz said that North Macedonia is progressing better than other Western Balkan countries, but what is missing is the implementation of the legislation.

– North Macedonia is implementing reforms earlier than other countries in the region, you have historical progress, which you can build on. But if it takes, for example, seven years to start a judicial process, that is not reform in the judicial system. There is still work to be done. North Macedonia is on the right path, but the work is not done, said Weitz, adding that reforms are important for citizens and not just on paper. (27 November)

“`