Skopje, 25 September 2025 (MIA) - The Government and all institutions to consistently abide by the commitment for unconditional observance of the linguistic, identity, historical and cultural traits of the Macedonian people - elements that are non-negotiable with the EU - and that the Republic of North Macedonia is ready to meet the requirements from the Negotiating Framework, including the constitutional amendments, through a clear commitment that this is the last obstacle, while not accepting new requests or bilateral and identity issues.

These are the two main points in the Resolution to define the common positions for the country to resume its European path, which SDSM leader Venko Filipche presented on Thursday.

"These are our red lines. This is a draft-document aimed to solve all national and strategic objectives through consensus, considering the vast majority of citizens who favor the country's EU accession," said Filipche.

The resolution will be first forwarded to all political parties and then the Parliament, for the purpose of producing a joint document.

"The document is accompanied by a draft-law related to the Parliament's role in the process of EU accession negotiations. I expect all stakeholders to be constructive and not abuse this document for political purposes during the election campaign," said Filipche.

According to him, the document also includes a specific timeline to unblock the accession negotiations and open the first cluster by 15 February 2026, as well as mechanisms on the steps that the Parliament needs to undertake if certain countries meddle in identity issues.

"I believe it is utterly irresponsible to do nothing in this field. If we achieve national consensus, no one can stop us," said Filipche.

As per the timeline for implementation of the commitments included in the resolution, the Government should set forth its position on the amendments related to the incorporation of the Bulgarian and other ethnic communities in the Constitution between November 15-25, by confirming its acceptance of the text or putting forward a new text of the constitutional amendments. If it opts for the latter, the new text should be adopted by the Government and submitted to the Parliament by 1 December 2025.

"The Parliament to initiate the procedure of amending the Constitution and reach the stage of a first vote by 15 December 2025 at the latest, and finish the procedure of constitutional change through a final vote by 10 February 2026 at the latest. On the day of the final vote and adoption of the constitutional law for implementation of the constitutional amendments, the Government will send a letter to the EU member-states and the European Commission, noting that the country's commitment to unblock the negotiating process has been met, and attaching the required documents (roadmaps) it has drafted as instruments that are common for the accession negotiations. In the same letter, the Government will call on the European Commission, in line with the Council Conclusions of 18 July 2022, to organize an Intergovernmental Conference between the EU member-states and North Macedonia, at which all decisions related to the unblocking of the accession negotiations will be made and the first cluster 'Fundamentals' will open no later than 15 February 2026," reads the resolution proposed by SDSM.

Photo: MIA