EU expects new authorities in North Macedonia to proceed on successful accession path: spokesperson
Brussels, 13 May 2024 (MIA) - The European Union expects the new authorities in North Macedonia to demonstrate commitment to the European future and proceed on the successful accession path, said European Commission Spokesperson Peter Stano on Monday.
"We expect and look forward to work with the newly-elected authorities in North Macedonia, both the President and the new government, on helping the country to move forward and deliver on the expectations that the EU set out on the accession path of North Macedonia," said Stano.
Asked hypothetically what steps could EU take "if the new leadership continues to act" as during yesterday's swear-in ceremony of new President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, the EC Spokesperson said the EU thinks, expects and trusts that the new authorities "will continue to deliver" and would not go into speculation what if they don't deliver.
"They have a clean start now and the opportunity to convince everyone in the European Union that they are committed to the European future of their country and will do their utmost to proceed on its successful accession path," added Stano.
Regarding EU's position over the failure of incoming President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova to to use the country's constitutional name during the swear-in ceremony, the spokesperson said this has been clearly stated in the X post of European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and the press release of the European External Action Service.
"What is expected of North Macedonia is clearly stated in the latest enlargement report last autumn. On regional cooperation, the country maintained good relations with other enlargement countries and continued its existing engagement in regional initiatives. Existing bilateral agreements need to be implemented in good faith by all parties, including the Prespa Agreement between North Macedonia and Greece, and the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighboliness and Cooperation with Bulgaria, including its protocols. This is the expectation of the European Union," noted Stano.
MIA file photo
