Skopje, 17 March 2023 (MIA) - The negotiating framework has been adopted by all 27 EU member-states and there is no hindrance for the second Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) and opening of accession chapters after completion of the screening stage. However, the irresponsible, indecisive and strategy-barren conduct by opposition parties in the country could lead to us blocking ourselves, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski on Friday and urged the opposition to think strategically and engage in the adoption of important decisions.

PM Kovachevski told a joint press conference with European Commission Vice-President and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, said both EU officials were clear that North Macedonia's negotiating framework has been adopted and negotiations started with the screening stage last July.

"One of the decisions we have to make is the constitutional revision that requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament. This is not a process of one person, one political party or one government, it is a process for the entire country. All political parties and MPs are obliged to make decisions that secure the country's strategic objectives, such as the EU membership," said Kovachevski.

He expressed assurance that the Parliament had the capacity and vision to make the required decisions so that the country continued on the path to successfully complete the EU accession process.

On the constitutional changes, the PM said a working group is being set up at the Ministry of Justice, including experts in constitutional law and experts nominated by political parties, including from the opposition.

"The Government has ensured all prerequisites for the opposition's involvement in all EU integration process, including the constitutional amendments. The opposition should think strategically and put their declarations into practice," said Kovachevski.

High Representative Borrell said he was not only an optimist "but an activist as well" when asked if he urged VMRO-DPMNE to support the incorporation of Bulgarians in the Constitution.

"I think we should work to make things happen. North Macedonia has committed itself to change the Constitution and incorporate citizens who are part of other nationalities, including Bulgarians," said Borrell.

According to him, this is not something peculiar, since the youngest EU member Croatia has 22 different communities in its Constitution.

"Your country has already given an excellent example of a multiethnic society. Therefore, the constitutional change will further enhance the fundamental rights and I have no doubts this will preserve the Macedonian identity and at the same time advance the accession process," said Borrell.

He reiterated that the Macedonian identity is not endangered by the EU accession.

"Your identity will be absolutely preserved. You won't be less than what you are just because you become a member of the EU," underlined Borrell.

Photo: MIA archive