Skopje, 9 January 2023 (MIA) – EU accession is of key importance for North Macedonia, said U.S. Ambassador Angela Aggeler Monday calling on legislators to act in the interest of the citizens and to act as soon as possible so as to make all possible changes that would pave the way toward EU accession.

Asked to comment on the constitutional change requirement at today’s news conference alongside Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani, the Ambassador said her country supports the progress in the EU integration process as a long-term goal of North Macedonia.

We, Aggeler said, know these are difficult decisions and we know the citizens have already made some difficult decisions, but we’re supporting everything that will enable you to make progress.

In addition to the EU accession screening, reforms, curbing corruption, passage of laws and the energy crisis, one of the main challenges North Macedonia is facing this year is the EU accession process, which requires amending the Constitution and the Preamble.

It is yet to be revealed when the government will make a decision to open the procedure for changing the Constitution, however it should start early this year in order to be completed by November, when the screening process should be completed. A two-third majority (80 votes in the 120-seat Parliament) should be secured for the Constitution to be amended following the French proposal endorsed as part of the negotiations with Bulgaria.