The European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, stated in Skopje that North Macedonia is among the most successful countries in implementing the Reform Agenda, but stressed that constitutional amendments are essential for further progress on its path towards the European Union.
Speaking from Skopje, Marta Kos said the country has a realistic opportunity to make headway towards EU accession, but warned that more than four million euros in European funding is at stake if Parliament fails to adopt the amendments to the Electoral Code.
Kos called on political parties to reach an agreement on the legislative changes, noting that reforms are the shared responsibility of all political stakeholders.
"Given that you have completed 90 per cent of the reforms, I call on all parties to ensure 100 per cent success by adopting the Electoral Code," Kos stated.
Constitutional Amendments as a Key Challenge
According to the European Commissioner, adopting the constitutional amendments remains the next crucial step towards European Union membership. She encouraged the Government to initiate the process, assessing that North Macedonia has the opportunity to sustain its momentum in European integration.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Kos stated that she had a productive meeting focused on progress in meeting obligations under the Reform Agenda and the EU accession process.
Highlighting the results achieved in implementing reforms, she emphasised that North Macedonia ranks among the top performers in the region regarding alignment with European standards. She also announced that the country has qualified for a cohort of states set to receive additional funding through theEU Growth Plan.
"You can reach the top because you are delivering on expectations. Reforms are not just the job of the Government and Parliament, but a national project involving all relevant stakeholders, especially Parliament, where reforms are enacted," Kos said.
The European Commissioner assessed that the EU expansion process is making significant strides forward.
"In a year and a half, we have accomplished far more than in the previous 15 years. By 2028, there are strong prospects that the European Union will gain a new member state from the Western Balkans," Kos declared, adding that she hopes North Macedonia will remain firmly on its European course.
No guarantees in the enlargement process
Addressing requests for guarantees regarding the European integration process, Kos noted prior to her visit to Skopje that there is no precedent in EU history where a candidate state was guaranteed that no new disputes would arise during negotiations.
"The truth is that no candidate country has ever received a guarantee that new disputes will not emerge during the accession process, right up until the final member state ratifies the Accession Treaty. That is how the European Union's enlargement process works, and it is important to accept that reality," Kos emphasised.
She delivered a similar message at the press conference in response to journalists' questions, pointing out that the enlargement process is built not on guarantees, but on trust, commitment, and fulfilling obligations.
Mickoski: It would be a shame to lose more than four million euros
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski assessed that the results of the Reform Agenda's implementation have been recognised in Brussels, announcing that North Macedonia will receive additional funding as a reward for its work to date.
"Today is a good day because everyone was able to hear that we are working on reforms and the Reform Agenda with great focus and dedication. As a result, we will receive additional funds earned through this hard work. We will show that we can do even more. For us, there is no alternative and no Plan B - only European Union membership and a commitment to meeting our obligations," Mickoski said.
He added that the vast majority of commitments under the Reform Agenda have already been met, leaving only the adoption of the Electoral Code outstanding.
"We have fulfilled nine out of ten obligations. Only the Electoral Code remains. Our stance is clear: let the opposition reach a consensus, agree on the text, and we will accept whatever is agreed upon. I am sending that message again today. For now, there is no agreed text, and time is running out. It would be a genuine shame to lose more than four million euros," Mickoski stated.
(EUpravo zato)