Skopje, 13 July 2023 (MIA) — EU membership should be a matter of national consensus and all Members of Parliament should overcome party politics and consider the country's European future; the sooner they adopt the constitutional changes the sooner North Macedonia will join the EU, whereas early elections would be counterproductive, according to the foreign ministers of Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia at their joint press conference in Skopje.

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said they had productive meetings with representatives of the parties across the political spectrum as well as MPs and government officials.

"Everyone we talked to, everyone who has any political responsibility, showed that they are pro-European, that they want to keep the country on the path to full EU membership," Schallenberg said.

"We really look forward to the moment when the Macedonian language, culture and history will become part of the languages, culture, and history of the EU in all its diversity," he added, stressing that everyone was aware of the need of introducing the amendments to the Constitution.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said Russia's war against Ukraine had changed the dynamics of the EU enlargement process. He said North Macedonia should take advantage of the increased momentum and adopt the constitutional changes.

"We are aware of the sensitivity of this issue and both the opposition's and the position's views are clear to us. We heard their comments and concerns, but we are convinced there will never be a better situation and more favorable conditions for the EU integration of North Macedonia than now," Lipavsky said.

"We will do all we can do to prevent any further demands regarding open bilateral issues," he pledged, urging all MPs to look past party politics and think about the European future of the country and its citizens.

Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Wlachovský said the country's EU integration should be a matter of national consensus.

"North Macedonia has a unique opportunity to show this now and should seize this moment. It should definitely not be missed, especially since there is no other alternative in order to move forward in EU integration," Wlachovský said.

During their meetings, Wlachovský said, the three foreign ministers pointed out that calling a snap election would be counterproductive.

"If early elections were scheduled, it would be very counterproductive," he said. "All leaders should reach a consensus regarding these issues."

Asked about their meetings with the opposition, Austria's Schallenberg said the purpose of their visit was not to interfere in internal affairs.

"If we shared every detail of our conversation," he said, "I think it would be counterproductive because we would become part of the debate, and we want to be part of the solution," he noted. mr/