Skopje, 7 June 2023 (MIA) – The EU door remains open for the country if the constitutional changes are adopted. Thus, the country will move to the next step, EU Ambassador to North Macedonia David Geer said. He underlined that if the constitutional amendments are not adopted, it means that we have missed the chance, which others will use it.

“Constitutional changes are a big issue. It is a sovereignty issue for the state. However, I think a few elements will be particularly important and need to be taken into account once the proposal is released and made available to the public. I will begin with the constitutional changes. I think that above all, the timing and the context are key here. We started accession negotiations with North Macedonia in July last year. The process is going well so far. Screening is ongoing, the teams are well organized and I see positive changes. There is a momentum. However, there is a wider context as a result, unfortunately, of Russia's war against Ukraine. There is a momentum for enlargement, and everyone now understands the seriousness of the interest in moving forward in the EU enlargement process. I think there is a big chance now. At this moment, the door is open if the constitutional changes are adopted. Thus, the country will move to the next step,” Geer told TV 21's Click Plus show.

According to him, it is a matter of sovereignty and underscored that we have a great opportunity that should not be missed.

“Otherwise there will be no progress. Certainly, it will be important for the people to read what will be written in the text and focus on it. It seems that there are ways to include in the Constitution the people who declare themselves as Bulgarians. You already have good inter-ethnic relations. This will only strengthen them. It can be said that you will back up your words with your actions,” Geer said.

Asked what if the constitutional changes are not adopted, Geer said that it means that we have missed the chance, which others will use it.

“There is a momentum. The momentum in politics and diplomacy is something that cannot be overlooked. It is a special moment. If you advance, you will seize the opportunity and take advantage of the opportunities presented to you to advance on the path to the EU. Now the state must focus on the major reforms that it must introduce. What if the country does not take that step and decides not to adopt constitutional changes? Then the process will be at a standstill, the screening will stop and negotiations will not advance. It will mean that you have missed your chance, but some others will take it and join the EU,” Ambassador Geer said.

According to him, the Parliament should focus on the arguments, see the bigger picture and make a decision.

Photo: MIA archive