Skopje, 5 May 2023 (MIA) — The use of the ‘EU flag’ procedure to fast-track law amendments related to Corridors 8 and 10d construction is not in accordance with the standards of the European Union, the EU Delegation in the country told MIA in response to a question about their views on the government on Friday EU-flagging five new bills related to the construction project.

The fast-track procedure is aimed at helping speed up North Macedonia's integration into the EU and should be used to align national legislation with EU acquis and standards, the EU Delegation said in a statement.

In this case, the amendments do not appear to address any compliance with such standards, the statement says.

Expressing their concern, the EU Delegation said they would request an explanation from the government after First Deputy PM and Minister of Political System and Inter-Community Relations Artan Grubi's news conference on Friday.

Recalling several European Commission Reports on North Macedonia, the EU Delegation said the use of ‘EU flag’ procedure needed to be limited and used only to advance European reforms.

It should not be used to shorten public consultations or to solve procedural difficulties in the legislature, the statement says.

Earlier on Friday, Grubi said the government at its Friday session passed five new bills on Corridors 8 and 10d construction project. He said the bills would be fast-tracked by using the EU flag procedure in Parliament. mr/