Berlin, 28 June 2023 (MIA) – Germany takes North Macedonia’s EU perspective seriously. The constitutional amendments are of central importance now, in order to unlock the country’s EU accession path, said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at a joint press conference Wednesday with Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski.

“Germany takes the EU perspective of the Western Balkan countries seriously, and this especially applies to North Macedonia. We have great respect for the Macedonian identity, language and history and the great efforts made by North Macedonia on its path to the EU. The constitutional changes are now of central importance. Many things depend on them, I know this isn’t a simple step, but it is necessary in order to unlock the country’s EU path. Therefore, I would like to encourage North Macedonia to continue down the path of reforms. Reforms are not abstract demands, and even now, they positively impact the citizens,” said Scholz.

The German Chancellor also touched upon the Berlin Process, underlining that the initiative has a lot of potential and announced the next summit, to be held on October 18 in Tirana.

“Last year the process was given a new impulse with the agreements signed that brought us closer to the goal of a common regional market. We want to progress this year as well. I am glad that the summit will be held on October 18 in Tirana, i.e., it will be held in the region for the first time. I consider this summit especially important due to the current tensions between Kosovo and Serbia. It would be a welcome opportunity for Serbia and Kosovo to concentrate fully on normalizing their relations with the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement,” said Scholz.