Skopje, 7 May 2025 (MIA) - Citizens still support Macedonia's accession to the European Union, they remain committed, and we want to complete the path to the EU, 20 years later. This situation is unsustainable, both for us and the credibility and integrity of the Union in one of the most important areas - enlargement, said President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova on Wednesday.

"If you get almost 20 positive reports from the European Parliament and the European Commission, it shows they are serious and that there was a reason for such a recommendation. However, the Council said 'no' to so many 'yeses', not because of non-fulfillment of the Copenhagen criteria but due to issues that, in a way, seek revision of history," President Siljanovska Davkova told reporters at a joint press conference with visiting Croatian counterpart Zoran Milanović.

She said there are aspects that are non-negotiable because they are rational and linked to the merit-system, but also ones that cannot be bereft of feelings and are then irrational.

"Citizens still know it would be illogical to turn back on the sincere and clear commitment at the Thessaloniki Summit 20 years ago. Nevertheless, one has to ask if concessions made thus far have led to a breakthrough, is this the end of the concessions that we have become known for? In fact, the (Bulgaria) Friendship Treaty does not say in any of its articles or provisions that we should make any constitutional amendments," said Siljanovska Davkova.

According to her, Article 7 of the Prespa Agreement reads that the name Macedonia denotes territory, language, people with their own history, culture and heritage.

"What does the Macedonian-Bulgarian historical commission talk about? History, culture and even language. I referred to the 'pacta sunt servanda' principle in this sense. The question here is whether you can treat a protocol or minutes as a source of law in the Negotiating Framework. If so written in the Prespa Agreement, then the issue of history, culture and language is 'ad acta' or finished. When saying this, I always turn to the Preamble of the Lisbon Treaty, the Treaty on the EU, and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, which clearly state that the European Union shall respect the national and cultural identity of not only its members, I assume, but of all countries. Then there is the UN Charter that the EU has signed, which includes the right of self-determination. This is the lens I use for these matters," explained Siljanovska Davkova.

On her expectations for a breakthrough during the coming visits of Council President António Costa and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos to Skopje, the President said she could not predict this.

"I want to listen to their positions. Of course, we will discuss possible exit solutions from the current situation, which is unsustainable, both for us and the credibility and integrity of the Union in one of the most important areas - enlargement. I will present my stance based on what I hear from them, and vice versa," said Siljanovska Davkova.

Photo: MIA