Skopje, 20 October 2023 (MIA) - North Macedonia's will to go through with the constitutional amendments is a step towards EU. Our political perspective is to open the negotiating clusters as soon as possible. But we must recognize that it is not enough to just sit and wait, we must take responsibility and bring aspirants closer to the Union. We are looking for new ways to strengthen cooperation with Western Balkans, before it officially joins EU, Special Advisor for Western Balkans at the European Commission's Directorate General for Enlargement and Neighborhood, Adrienn Kiraly, told a conference on inter-parliamentary dialogue to further promote the European integration of the Western Balkans in Skopje on Friday.

"We saw that the EU responded to the new geopolitical situation with one united voice. The Western Balkans and our friends from the East became our representatives and allies. Our intentions are clear. Western Balkans' future is in EU. In recent years, we have seen significant progress and changes in a positive direction. North Macedonia started accession negotiations and immediately after, the screening process, which is developing well and moving in the right direction," Kiraly said.

She stressed that the biggest challenge is how to ensure that the current dynamic of the enlargement process is sustainable and could be maintained, while the states should do everything in terms of implementing reforms necessary to move the countries forward in line with such reforms.

"(EC President Ursula) von der Leyen's new plan that was presented at the Berlin Process Summit is a good base and starting mark for all of this. First, we want to gradually integrate Western Balkans in certain aspects of the European single market, before gaining full membership. They need to focus on specific socioeconomic reforms, social growth, but at the same time implement fundamental reforms in the rule of law and democracy," Kiraly noted.

She also reminded of the mechanisms in order to close the social vacancy before providing social subsidies.

"So far, the European Commission has awarded a grant of EUR 2 billion to the Western Balkans as part of the mid-term financing review, accompanied by the EUR 4 billion loan, which equals to EUR 6 billion in aid for the Western Balkans. There is one more offer, the EU membership benefits plan. But such plan also contributes to accelerating the accession process if the required reforms, i.e. in fundamental values of the cluster, are implemented, which would require an efficient judiciary, strong public procurement and decisive steps to fight corruption," the Special Advisor emphasized.

She also pointed out the risk if the enlargement failed to happen.

"We believe that enlargement is the only option, but for those who have doubts it is particularly important to bear in mind the danger of non-enlargement for EU and member-states, but also for the aspirants. If the enlargement fails to happen, it will mean not sharing European values with our immediate neighbors and create a void that can be filled by other stakeholders," emphasized Kiraly.

If this were to happen, she adds, it will be a missed opportunity to increase our relevance and create a more united and stronger Europe together.

"We have to recognize that we have common challenges and address them together in order to find better solutions. Take for example the energy transition and climate change. They are just some of the areas in which we see the benefits of working together and finding joint solutions. Let's also take a look at the economic possibilities. We must ensure that these opportunities are recognized and exploited, used as tools for the accession countries, which they can continue to use after becoming members," Kiraly said.

According to her, EU enlargement is a process that has benefits for all parties, but it must be based on solid principles, merit, and achievements, and ensure that countries meet the appropriate criteria and implement appropriate reforms. ssh/ik/