Skopje, 13 July 2023 (MIA) – A message of encouragement over the adoption of the necessary constitutional amendments for the continuation of the country’s EU path was sent by the foreign ministers of Austria, Czechia and Slovakia, Alexander Schallenberg, Jan Lipavský and Miroslav Wlachovský, at a joint press conference Thursday in Skopje with their host, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani.

Schallenberg noted that once it begins, the process of negotiations is irreversible. “The country has waited 18 years to reach this moment. Now it is up to you to use it,” said the Austrian Foreign Minister.

“It is necessary to be politically responsible and place the national interests above all else. Now is the moment, and I assure you that we are not meddling in the internal affairs of the country. Our message is simple and strong – it is a message of encouragement, there is no time to waste, we would like you to continue with the necessary constitutional amendments, so you can begin membership negotiations. Postponing the adoption of the amendments means a postponement of North Macedonia’s accession. It would be a shame if Skopje, after running such a difficult marathon, were to trip up at the next obstacle. We’ve been through a lot together, and we overcame many difficulties,” said Schallenberg.

The Austrian Minister underlined that he, alongside the foreign ministers of Czechia and Slovakia, are the most loyal supporters of North Macedonia and the Balkans, and he said, their very visit is itself a message, adding that they are also here to convey the clear message of the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.

“The solution can only come from North Macedonia. It won’t come from Brussels, from Vienna, Prague or Bratislava, and I assure you, it won’t come from Sofia either. It is up to you whether you will move forward,” said Schallenberg.

Reminding of the current geostrategic moment, Schallenberg added that now is the time for strategic thinking. “This is also a message to our friends from Bulgaria. Overcome your bilateral issues and also start thinking strategically,” said the Austrian Foreign Minister.

His Czech colleague, Jan Lipavský, who is on his second visit to Skopje this year, stressed that the goal of the visit is to voice support for the country and to encourage all political actors to take the necessary steps for the country’s EU accession.

“I always say NATO guarantees security, while EU guarantees prosperity. I wish the same for North Macedonia. You are a member of NATO. We consider North Macedonia a part of the European family already and the process just simply has to be concluded,” said Lipavský.

The Slovak Foreign Minister, Miroslav Wlachovský, also sent a message of encouragement, noting that the entire EU recognizes North Macedonia’s readiness to successfully conclude its accession negotiations. This, he said, has been demonstrated by the so far successful screening process which is set to end in November, and will then be followed by the opening of clusters and chapters.

“This is a time during which you should be confident and implement all reforms and transformative processes, so you can succeed in the negotiations process. Now you need to become leaders, an engine which will lead the process forward, so you can become an example to be followed. And I hope this mission and this task will be concluded by 2030. We want you to become a leader in the Balkans in terms of the EU integrations. The time is now, and the choice is clear. We expect you to become an EU member as early as possible,” said Wlachovský, stressing that being an EU member pays off.

According to a press release from the EU Delegation to North Macedonia, as part of their visit to the country, Schallenberg, Lipavský and Wlachovský will meet with President Stevo Pendarovski, Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi, and MPs from the majority and opposition in order to help build a national consensus over the most urgent strategic goal of EU accession. After the meetings, the foreign ministers will hold a press conference at the EU Delegation in Skopje on Thursday afternoon.

Photo: MIA