Skopje, 15 September 2023 (MIA) - European Commissioner for Budget and Administration, Johannes Hahn, believes it is feasible that North Macedonia can join the European Union within a couple of years but giving a specific date is unserious.

"What is clear, what is still valid and will be valid in the future is that the whole process is a merit one. It means if a country delivers it should get the credit for it. That is why we are not waiting until everybody is ready for accession, but if a country is ready earlier, then it should be the case. In the case of North Macedonia, I have the feeling, and it has also been confirmed in the discussions we had today and the information I have heard and read, that North Macedonia is making quite a lot of progress on its path to Europe. I think we have to be optimistic, I think it is feasible that North Macedonia can join the European Union within a couple of years but giving a specific date is unserious," Commissioner Hahn told Telma.

Asked who has failed more in the motto "if you deliver we will deliver as well" - North Macedonia or the EU - he says nobody is perfect and that he is also critical with the member-states.

"I think nobody is perfect, I am also critical with our member-states, because there have been situations when indeed North Macedonia has delivered and it was not adequately honored. But again, it's a way that has not finished yet and I think we should not count the individual setbacks, we should always look forward. If we look at the general development over the last couple of years, there is progress, there is clear direction, clear support, there is also strong support here in the country and we should build on it," says Hahn.

On the arguments used to convince citizens for yet another concession regarding the constitutional amendments, Hahn says the general circumstances have significantly changed, there is momentum and readiness, adding the huge commitment from the President of the European Council and heads of state for the enlargement.

Photo: MIA archive