Skopje, 27 March 2023 (MIA) — North Macedonia should adopt the required constitutional changes so it can progress on its EU path, according to Albania's Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Olta Xhaçka speaking at a press conference held together with Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani.

In response to a reporter's question, Foreign Minister Osmani said "greater awareness of the European Union" was creating "a historic opportunity for us all to be inside the EU in 2030." 

"Whether we will use this chance or repeat what happened to us 15 years ago with Greece remains in our hands. Whether we will isolate ourselves or be part of this high-speed train taking us directly to Brussels will be decided by each Member of Parliament," Osmani said.

If Parliament did not pass the amendments to the Constitution, he added, it would not be fair to ask Albania to halt its integration process. Because, he said, "the process is individual and is based on the merit of each country separately" even though both countries launched EU accession talks at the same time.

Albania's Minister of Europe Xhaçka said that all political stakeholders should realize the importance of adopting the changes to the Constitution.

"The constitutional amendments should be made and everyone should be aware that this will open the path of integration," she said.

"As far as we are concerned, we are side by side and coordinated in this process. This is a very important moment, with a new dynamic, considering the fact that the EU is more aware of our region's investment needs, more aware of how connected the entire enlargement process is. 

"It is important that all political stakeholders realize this moment should not be missed. We have been given an opportunity to accelerate the process. If anyone lags behind, the delay will prove a disadvantage to their citizens. This should not be allowed to happen," Xhaçka said. mr/