Skopje, 18 May 2023 (MIA) - European Union Ambassador David Geer and Swedish Ambassador Ami Larsson Jain, whose country currently holds the EU Presidency, urged Thursday for a national consensus on North Macedonia's European integration but also replacing the polarized political debate with constructive political dialogue.

"I would not go into the discussion related to the constitutional amendments and only say this is a sovereign decision of the country, but I urge you to be open, politically responsible and consider the long-term goals interests of the country and its future within the European Union," said Ambassador Geer.

He said the EU path is set in a way that it is very clear what needs to be done to achieve that objective.

"All of this is attainable but not simple, it is based on the implementation of reforms that will fundamentally change this country. Reforms that are required to protect the country so that it has the resilience and compete with other EU members once it joins the Union," said Geer.

Ambassador Larsson Jain said the political reality should incentivize the country in the accession process, that the EU is committed to the enlargement process with the Western Balkans, noting that the commitment is not proven only through political statements.

"North Macedonia enjoys large benefits from this connection to the EU but also faces many challenges, such as poverty and corruption. Corruption corrodes the society, poses a threat to the economy and destroys competitiveness. Countering corruption and other aspects related to the rule of law are very significant in the EU accession process and the starting point for candidate-states," said Larsson Jain.

She referred to the geopolitical momentum of enlargement and the 2030 membership target.

"Many ask me if I believe that the 2030 target is attainable. The answer is it depends on the Macedonians. As long as you push the process and are part of the fundamental changes that are required to prepare this country for the EU membership, this goal is attainable," added Larsson Jain.

The truth, she added, is that a transformation process should precede accession, through reforms that benefit the citizens of North Macedonia.

"The polarized political debate should be replaced with constructive political dialogue, in order to build a national consensus on the goal of the Euro-integration process. Decision on the constitutional changes lies in the hands of the political leaders," said the Swedish Ambassador.

She recalled on the road of her country to the EU, saying only 52 percent of citizens favored Sweden's accession to the Union at the referendum on the issue.

"We had to give up some of our specific products but it was clear that the membership would strengthen our economy. Today, EU support stands at 68 percent and we are Europeans as much as we are Swedes," said Jarsson Jain and reiterated that the strong momentum for the EU accession must be utilized.

Photo: MIA