Skopje, 11 September 2023 (MIA) - President Stevo Pendarovski said Monday the proposal of French President Emmanuel Macron over a multi-speed Europe is not a formal one submitted to institutions in Brussels and there is no cause for concern.

"This is an old proposal of the French President. The thesis there should first be enhancement before enlargement means that key enlargement procedures must be changed before thinking about Union enlargement. This is not happening. There are symbolic but still forward movements of countries of the Western Balkans towards the EU, whereas Ukraine and Moldova are not waiting for enhancement but have entered a procedure of enlargement," said President Pendarovski after the Brdo-Brijuni Process leaders' meeting in Skopje.

According to him, there have been two or more speeds in the EU for many years and decades, since not all member-states are part of the eurozone of Schengen.

"This is not a formal proposal by Macron, this is part of his speech delivered before the Council of French Ambassadors. As far as I know, a formal proposal submitted to institutions in Brussels would not be accepted, for sure. There is no cause for concern, we will not become a member tomorrow in order to fear that we will have a lower status or rights than other member-states. For us, it is most important to resume on this formal path and come closer to the EU as soon as possible," said Pendarovski.

Croatian President Zoran Milanovic said a two-speed Europe is an idea that is difficult to implement in practice.

"A few decades ago I studied European law in Brussels and there was always a discussion on this issue. It is impossible, I cannot see how it would function. I am not sure such a proposal exists. Even if there is, it cannot function," said Milanovic.

Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar said she does not see a multi-speed Europe and is not a proponent of such an idea.

"Each member of the EU is equal in rights and obligations, but I think it would be good for countries of the Western Balkans to join certain projects that are easier to implement," said Pirc Musar.

Photo: MIA