Skopje, 31 October 2024 (MIA) - Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi told a press briefing on Thursday that in terms of procedure, the Parliament is ready for the constitutional amendments at any time, but political will and agreement is needed to start the process, in order to have a clear perception and not start something that won't work. 

"In terms of the Parliament, the services and the procedure, we are ready. We hope that we will reach political agreement as soon as possible to start the process. Hopefully as soon as possible, because I believe it is of strategic importance. It is important to start the negotiations as soon as possible and become a full-fledged EU member," said Gashi.  

As regards the European Commission's Report in terms of the Parliament, according to Gashi, the findings are positive, i.e. there is slight progress. Gashi said that there was no inappropriate use of the 'EU flag' procedure during his mandate, as well as that the use of shortened procedures for laws is in fact alignment with the Law on the Organization and Operation of State Administration Bodies. 

"The EU Ambassador handed over yesterday the 2024 Country Report for North Macedonia to the Parliament. In terms of the Parliament, I can say that the overall findings are positive. There is slight progress. Next year, we will do our utmost through the reform agenda and all the recommendations given in the Report to implement them as soon as possible, not only for the report to be positive next year, but mostly for our own sake, to have a more functional and transparent Assembly, as well as MPs and citizens satisfied with the work of the Assembly," Gashi said. 

He added that the report notes that there is no longer inappropriate use of the 'EU flag' procedure, but the use of shortened procedures should be limited. 

"Unfortunately, at the beginning of our mandate, due to the new law on the government's work, most of the laws that came to us in shortened procedure were for the purpose of aligning the names of institutions and ministries. Therefore, let's have some understanding at the beginning, but I am making every effort with all parliamentary parties and MPs, as well as with the government and the ministers, to convince them not to propose adopting laws in a shortened procedure," Gashi said.  

He noted that the Parliament schedules sessions very often and there is predictability of the sessions. "We are trying to persuade the ministers to propose most or all of the laws in a regular procedure because I think it is good for them, for the MPs and for the citizens as well as for all the stakeholders in terms of the laws we pass," Gashi told reporters after the briefing. 

In addition, the Speaker said there is no information from the Government as to when the 2025 draft-Budget will be included on the agenda.

Photo: MIA