Skopje, 28 July 2024 (MIA) - European Union Ambassador David Geer expects implementation of all recommendations of the EU peer review mission and tells Radio Free Europe there is no appetite in Brussels to revisit the Negotiating Framework, while finding it absurd to see political appointments at all levels instead of individuals based on competence and meritocracy.

"We welcome the commitment from the Government to advance on the EU path and we've already seen good progress, not least in some discussions we have had on the reform agenda, which has progressed very positively even in the short period since the Government has been there," says Geer.

Concerning the constitutional amendments, he says there is already a solution on the table.

"You will remember back in July 2022, I followed very closely the negotiations that took place between approximately the autumn of 2020 and that agreement that was reached in July 2022. It was not an easy process, for either side, compromises were made. As a result, I think the best agreement that could be made at the time was made. Could this Government get a better agreement? I am personally very doubtful of that. Of course, it's a matter between the two governments but I am very doubtful that could be achieved. I see no appetite in Brussels to revisit the Negotiating Framework, which is the basis of negotiations. As I say, there is a solution on the table. It would be good now to advance on that solution," says Geer.

He notes that loan agreements between EU member-states and other countries are a practice but has no details about the EUR 500 million Hungarian loan that the Government has announced.

"I can't comment on the specificities of the loan from Hungary as I haven't seen it and I am not sure it is fully concluded yet, that is a separate matter. But yes, there are examples of member-states doing government-to-government loans to third countries, concessional loans direct to the treasury. It is a practice that exists within the European Union," adds Geer.

MIA file photo