Brussels, 14 December 2023 (MIA) - Any expectation for changes regarding the negotiating framework or the enlargement process is an illusion, because it will not be beneficial for anyone, PM Dimitar Kovachevski said responding to MIA's question Thursday in Brussels, to comment on the recent statement by the President of the European Council, who stated that although enlargement is a merit-based process, decisions regarding it must still take into account the complexity of the situation in Europe.

“Absolutely, this is a statement that the President of the European Council is not saying for the first time but has reiterated several times. The complexity is in terms of the EU initiating an internal preparation process for the accession of new members, setting their goal for it by 2030. Just as we have set our goal for reforms by 2030,” stated Kovachevski at a press conference at the end of his two-day working visit to Brussels, where he took part in the EU-Western Balkans Summit.

He noted that the only hindering factor for not convening the second Intergovernmental Conference with the EU, as clearly outlined in the conclusions, is the anti-European, anti-EU, anti-NATO, and pro-Russian coalition in North Macedonia.

"Once the constitutional amendments are adopted, which are of a technical nature, as you all know, given that there are no remarks regarding the amendments, then the second Intergovernmental Conference will be convened. Certainly, we must not miss this window of opportunity that we have until the elections in North Macedonia and in the EU," said Kovachevski, adding that in 2008, we witnessed what happened in Bucharest at the NATO Summit when our accession to the Alliance was postponed. Today, we are witnessing what happened in Brussels and the reasons behind it.

According to Kovachevski, this working visit to Brussels could have looked entirely different, and we could have come out victorious, loudly and clearly stating that we are continuing on the European path. However, it was confirmed that the sole obstacle to the country is the anti-EU, anti-NATO, and pro-Russian coalition of VMRO-DPMNE and Levica.

"With these politicians, our citizens today can be confident that they will be hindered from promptly joining the progressive European family. We still remember the 11 years of governing with false patriotism and populism, which led to a completely captive state. These parties should be ashamed, and may it serve as a reminder to the citizens," Kovachevski said.

Nevertheless, according to him, despite all of this, there were positive discussions and further support for our country in Brussels from European leaders regarding North Macedonia's path towards the Union. This is because our only alternative is the EU, and we will not deviate from the European path.

Prime Minister Kovachevski added that the EU-Western Balkans Summit was an excellent opportunity at the highest level to discuss the common European future of the Western Balkan countries, specifically our firm determination and vision that the EU, as before, remains the largest and most secure partner of North Macedonia and the region.

"As a government, we work hard to achieve our strategic goal - EU membership by 2030. To secure a better, dignified life at home, with higher wages and pensions, more money for the citizens, improved living standards, better education, healthcare... to ensure European standards and values, but at home," said Kovachevski, adding that politicians sometimes face challenging tasks, but citizens entrust them to lead them on the right path to a prosperous future, quality life, a secure country, and economic stability.

In his view, the summit represented an opportunity for EU leaders and leaders of the countries in the region to openly discuss cooperation in overcoming common challenges. As he noted, only with strong ties between the Western Balkans and the Union can we act united, exclusively in the interest of citizens and the prospects of the states.

"Yesterday, I briefed colleagues from EU member states and institutional leaders on the status of North Macedonia's Euro-integrations and the successfully concluded screening process. I extended my thanks for the many specific examples of cooperation and partnership between the EU and our country in an exceptionally challenging year full of difficulties, stemming from the energy and economic crisis as a consequence of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. Unlike ever before, there is preparedness for EU enlargement to happen. It has always had a geopolitical aspect, but at this moment, it will significantly enhance European security and stability. And that accession process can be accelerated, but it will be a merit-based process fully dependent on the objective progress achieved by each country," Kovachevski added.

He also stressed that with its full alignment with the EU's common foreign and security policy, enhanced commitment to implementing reforms, and the international support received daily, the country must not abandon European integration.

According to MIA’s Brussels correspondent, during the working visit, PM Kovachevski had several brief meetings, including with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, as well as with several of his colleagues from the countries in the region and EU member states. They discussed the country's European future and the joint preparedness to address all challenges.

Photo: Government