Skopje, 16 November 2022 (MIA) – A new chapter of our European path has begun, in which we have to implement further reforms in order to reach our strategic goal – full-fledged EU membership, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski at a joint press conference Wednesday with the French Secretary of State for European affairs, Laurence Boone. Kovachevski said that the Macedonian team is ready, has the necessary knowledge and expertise and will complete the screening process within the stipulated period of 14 months. “The government has made brave decisions, the negotiation process was painful, but the fact that we came out of it as a country that managed to defend its positions makes us especially proud,” said the PM. He touched upon the constitutional amendments as well, expressing his expectation that the MPs will demonstrate statesmanlike behavior and support the amendments. “The constitutional amendments remain, I know that the decision of the MPs is not easy, but I expect them to show statesmanlike behavior. Of course, they have the choice to leave everything as is, to leave the country in stagnation and uncertainty, but I am sure they will be up to the task to secure a better future for us and the future generations. The lawmakers are representatives of the citizens, and the citizens want to be a part of the EU because of the overall social benefits, the economic progress and democracy,” said Kovachevski at the press conference. https://youtu.be/bDrIoY9T33w