Skopje, 17 July 2023 (MIA) - The opportunity for EU enlargement is wide open. Seeking this opportunity through commitment and leadership shows a high sense of responsibility for the future of the Macedonian people. I urge you to continue on the path of reforms, which benefit the Macedonian citizens. They enhance the rule of law, uproot corruption, promote prosperity and investments, and improve life in North Macedonia, said Minister of State for Europe and Climate in Germany's Federal Foreign Office Anna Lührmann on Monday.

The 'Weimar Triangle', i.e. France's Minister of State for Europe Laurence Boone, Minister of State for Europe and Climate in Germany's Federal Foreign Office Anna Lührmann, and Poland’s Minister for the European Union Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk, who are paying a two-day official visit to Skopje, held a joint press conference with Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj.

Lührmann said it is important to continue on the path and the constitutional amendments will reaffirm North Macedonia as a model of multiethnic society.

"Protection of minorities is the foundation of the European rights and obligations. Changes to the Macedonian Constitution will strengthen North Macedonia's commitment to the European values. I strongly urge all political forces in North Macedonia to support the constitutional changes and support a better and more prosperous future for North Macedonia and the Macedonian people. Anything else will harm the EU membership ambitions," said the German Minister.

Lührmann made it clear that now is the time to take political responsibility and act, say "yes" to a better future, future in the EU.

"The North Macedonia-EU agreement is a fair one, there will not be a better deal for sure. North Macedonia's future is in your hands. We want to encourage you to join the European family and demonstrate your commitment to the EU perspective. We will support you on the EU path whenever we can," she said.

According to her, the Government of North Macedonia is committed to the future and the Weimar Triangle urges all people and political stakeholders in the country to support the authorities in taking "this crucial step towards the EU and adopting the constitutional amendments".

"We want to give all the necessary support so that you complete the integration process," she added.

On the meeting of the 'Weimar Triangle' ministers with VMRO-DPMNE, Lührmann said her message is "crystal clear".

"If you want a prosperous future for the country, if you want a future in the EU, the time is now, because the window of opportunity is here, a new dynamics in the accession process has emerged through the candidate status for Ukraine and Moldova, further steps in the accession process are on the horizon this fall, the screening process of Albania and North Macedonia will be completed later this year, so now is the time for the next steps in the accession process. There is no time to wait," said the German Minister.

Lührmann said she would ask the opposition what is their idea about the country's future.

"Do you really want to miss out on this unique opportunity of joining the EU community of prosperity? It is clear that the accession and enlargement train is moving fast and if North Macedonia does not pass the constitutional amendments, it will miss this train. We know how committed people in this country have been to the accession process, and therefore my argument is very clear. I am a committed European and convinced that North Macedonia will become even stronger in the EU," underlined Lührmann.

Photo: MIA