Skopje, 11 December 2024 (MIA) – Regarding Bulgaria’s conditions, Parliament is prepared any time to start the process of constitutional change, which is hindering the country. However, a consensus and political will is needed for the process to move forward in line with the EU standards without being hindered by bilateral issues, Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi said Wednesday at the seventh National Convention on the European Union in the Republic of North Macedonia (NCEU-MK) plenary conference.

Gashi said that bilateral issues shouldn’t hinder progress in the EU integration process noting that every country that wants to join the EU should solve bilateral issues without them affecting the accession process. 

“I strongly believe that enlargement is possible if the region is closely connected with the EU by sharing of joint values, democracy. Strengthening ties with the neighbours is an indelible part of our European integration strategy,” stated Gashi. 

According to him, Albania’s progress, which was in advantage comparted to North Macedonia given the well-known conditions, shows that the EU is serious when it comes to enlarging toward the Western Balkans, because it is interested into a stable and integrated region.

Gashi mentioned that Parliament works on passing laws and reforms, considered necessary to align its legislation, stressing the legislative house will remain a loyal and unwavering partner to meet the strategic goal. 

“This event is an excellent opportunity to hold a quality discussion for our joint commitment to EU membership. While discussing the EU’s basic values, we’re seeing the country’s determination to advance our EU membership status,” said the Speaker.

North Macedonia, he added, has aligned 40 percent of its legislation with the EU’s. 

“North Macedonia has had a long path with many sacrifices and many challenges along the way. We had made big steps meeting big standards. I’m confident that this commitment with be crowned with the country joining the EU. Integration into the bloc is the only alternative for us to ensure the country prospers,” concluded Gashi. 

The country, according to him, is facing time constraint. “We need to be very skilful in order to find the right formula of what to do.”

“If we stand still, conditions change, we are in time constraint, but on the other hand, if we rush things, we’re risking of going back to square one… I believe it is time we found a new concept and it is time we redefined the enlargement process, which should be the subject of debate within the EU,” Speaker Gashi said addressing the the seventh NCEU-MK plenary conference taking place in Parliament. 

Photo: MIA