Skopje, 30 October 2023 (MIA) - Having the enlargement back on the European Union's agenda following the developments in the geopolitical and security context is an extraordinary call for all countries that strive for European integration. In this context, it is time for all political stakeholders to unite for North Macedonia's European agenda, as a priority agenda for all stakeholders in the country, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani told Monday's panel discussion entitled "New geopolitical developments and the impact on North Macedonia", organized by the European Policy Institute.  

"What is different this time, on our European path, which is also a kind of crossroad for us, is that the ball is in our hands on whether we will succeed in this geopolitical moment, to walk through the EU's door that leads to an accelerated integration for countries with a proven pro-European course. This requires adoption of the constitutional amendments so that we can move forward in our accession process," Osmani said, as cited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

If we fail to get on that train, according to the Foreign Minister, we will follow the movement trajectory of those Western Balkan countries that will move very painfully and slowly in terms of future EU membership, because we will join the group of countries in the region that have open bilateral issues yet to resolve before continuing the European integration.

Reopening of bilateral issues with Bulgaria, he added, will not be more favorable than it is now.

On the other hand, according to Osmani, the merit-based principle must remain an absolute imperative in the relations between the Union and the candidate countries

"When our countries deliver on everything in their files, the EU must deliver. This is the ultimate motivator, and we hope that the EU will be able to make important decisions for the region in December this year," said Osmani, also commenting on other current issues in the country's foreign policy.

Faculty of Law professor Nenad Markovikj, who is also member of the Security Council, and Dean at the Faculty of Law within the International University "Vizion", Vesna Poposka, also took part in the event, reads the press release.  

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs