Skopje, 25 October 2022 (MIA) — If the negotiation process becomes just another Balkan neverending story, the allure of the European Union will reach a historically low level, President Stevo Pendarovski said Tuesday in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 2022-23 academic year at the College of Europe in Natolin, Warsaw, which he attended as part of his official visit to Poland. According to an official press release, President Pendarovski said he was honored to speak at the event marking the 30th anniversary of the college that has made a significant contribution to the integration of Central and Eastern Europe into the European Union. In his speech, Pendarovski said there was wide social and political consensus in the region regarding the prospect of EU membership. He also noted that North Macedonia’s European future was a national goal ever since the country’s independence in 1991. He said European integration had the unique potential to be a catalyst for deep societal transformation. According to the President, the rule of law, an independent judiciary, free media, and fighting corruption are not the responsibility of Brussels, but of the political elites and they should bear the responsibility. The EU, on the other hand, should take bold instead of hesitant steps toward the integration of the Western Balkans, he added. Pendarovski also said the country accepted the EU negotiation framework and it had its first intergovernmental conference, which he described as a historic moment, in July. “Since we started our negotiations recently, one thing is certain: If the process becomes just another Balkan neverending story, the allure of the EU will reach a historically low level,” President Pendarovski said, urging the EU to extend its solidarity to the Western Balkan amid the economic and energy crisis. In his speech, Pendarovski stressed Poland’s important role as a long-term supporter of North Macedonia’s EU integration and the frequent communication at the highest level reflecting the deep friendship and partnership between the two countries. The opening ceremony at the College of Europe also honored the late European Parliament President David Sassoli, who died in January. President Pendarovski said Sassoli had been one of the greatest supporters of the EU integration of the Western Balkans. He highlighted that Sassoli’s first official visit as European Parliament President outside the borders of the EU was to North Macedonia, which he said spoke volumes about his beliefs and commitment. mr/