Skopje, 14 December 2024 (MIA) - Numerous concessions are being made in order to fulfil the same promise of advancing towards the EU, yet we once again witness the reactivation of the veto. What we expect and emphasize before the EU leaders, member states, and all our strategic partners is that we need to outline a clear path for how our negotiations toward full membership will proceed, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, said Saturday regarding the constitutional amendments and the European perspective of the country.

"What is expected from us and what do we need to do to have a predictable and certain path. I am not saying that finding such a solution will be easy for us as a country or for the EU, but such a solution, which provides certainty and predictability, will primarily be the best for us, and it will be very important for the credibility the EU wants to build in the region, considering the current geopolitical developments," Mucunski added.

According to him, this is a joint, complex process.

“The solution will be hard to find, but it must be grounded in the principles we stand for. There has been dialogue in recent months, particularly when looking at the agendas of the Prime Minister and mine, which are primarily focused on EU member states. We have been most engaged in the last six months to present our positions and viewpoints, not on how to avoid finding a solution, but on how to find one. During this period, we remained fully aligned with the EU's common foreign and security policy, became the first country in the region to sign a Security and Defence Partnership with the EU, and adopted probably the best reform agenda in the region – I am paraphrasing EU leaders, not quoting them. This means we have shown that we are committed to the path, but at the same time, we expect the other side to show the same commitment, sincerity, and above all, principled stance towards us as a country,” said Mucunski at a press conference, responding to journalists' questions.

He reiterated that the country’s positions are clearly outlined, especially in the area of foreign policy. Mucunski noted that he does not believe the EU wants to be put back in a situation where candidates doubt its sincerity in its intentions.

"Our positions have been clearly outlined since the campaign period, when we presented a party program that later became part of the government program. Especially in the area of foreign policy, we have a very clear approach, and that approach is what we point out – is this the last concession expected from us? Are we sure that if constitutional changes happen, we won’t be subject to a new, potential veto, again created based on bilateral issues?" Mucunski said.

He believes that not only the political establishment but also the citizens of the country no longer have the capacity for more bilateral concessions, which have been numerous over the past 30 years.

At next week's EU-Western Balkans Summit, the Macedonian delegation will be led by Prime Minister Mickoski. According to Mucunski, there will be bilateral talks with senior EU officials and member states.

Photo/video: MIA