Skopje, 23 May 2026 (MIA) – SDSM leader Venko Filipche said Saturday German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s latest proposal is yet another proof that there is willingness for a step forward to be made regarding enlargement and the EU itself needs it both it terms of the economy and security.

If a new package of countries is being considered, Macedonia shouldn’t miss this chance, he urged.

“For the first time in almost 15 years, after Croatia joined the EU, it’s evident that the global geopolitical situation has pinned enlargement as being one of the EU’s priorities. Merz’s statement is yet another proof that there is genuine willingness, the EU needs it in terms of the economy and security. Let’s not forget the benefits the country will enjoy. Apart from Croatia and Greece, all other countries joined the bloc in packages.”

“It’s evident things are moving forward and we mustn’t miss the chance. What we have to do has been already tabled. We can unite only over what should be done to start negotiating with the EU and to open chapters. Everything else is an excuse,” Filipche told a news conference when asked if he might take the first step toward national unity, which is being advocated both by him and the prime minister. 

Filipche reiterated once again what he considers national unity: “Identity determinants are not up for negotiating and the constitutional change poses no risk and should be done as soon as possible.”

To include Bulgarians in the Constitution is not a Bulgarian demand, it’s European, the opposition leader said.

“I personally and SDSM represent only the interests of the country, the Macedonian interests. It’s in the country’s interest to integrate into the EU. The constitutional change isn’t Bulgaria’s interest. Bulgaria is in the EU,” Filipche said responding to VMRO-DPMNE’s accusations against SDSM claiming it represents Bulgaria’s positions. 

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