Strasbourg, 9 July 2025 (MIA) - I think to acknowledge the identity and language of an accession country should be natural and not problematic, said the European Parliament’s rapporteur on North Macedonia, Austrian MEP Thomas Waitz on Wednesday regarding the erasure of the terms Macedonian language and identity from the adopted version of the Report on the country’s progress.

At the press conference, Waitz noted that the decision to remove them was a democratic decision and highlighted that the amendment was put forward by four groups in the European Parliament.  

“I don’t think it was a mistake [to include them in the draft-report], but a democratic process has decided to not touch upon this topic in this Report. I think this is a democratic decision that needs to be, and is, acknowledged by myself,” Waitz said.

The Austrian MEP stressed that the European Union is built on reconciliation, good neighborly relations, and “admitting the atrocities that happened in the past of all our countries – but to do that and then build our common future”.

“I think this is what we should focus on. This is what all countries of the Western Balkans, all countries of the region should focus on for the sake of our citizens, for good economic development, for good societal development, and especially in the current geostrategic situation. To me, it is of utmost importance to stick together, to join forces, to defend our European values in a rather hostile geostrategic world” Waitz said, noting that he has been communicating this to his Macedonian and Bulgarian colleagues.

Regarding the remarks by some Bulgarian MEPs over alleged violations of parliamentary procedures during the drafting of the Report, Waitz said an unfounded “massive smear campaign” is being led against him, adding that he fully followed the rules of the European Parliament.

The MEP said the Report contains many topics from various areas and the focus should be on them and the country’s progress.

He recalled that this is the first adopted Report on the country since 2022, stressing that its adoption with a two-third majority represents a “stepping stone” for the country to move forward towards an effective start to accession negotiations.

“North Macedonia is a country that has applied for membership 20 years ago, once they were a frontrunner together with Slovenia, and we see where Slovenia is today. The country is still struggling to keep a proper majority in the country that supports the European Union because also a lot of disappointment was created or has been appearing in the country,” Waitz said.

Waitz underscored that the Report highlights the progress in the country, stating that it is a reliable partner, especially when it comes to the EU’s foreign and security policy.

“We are talking about a country that is doing reforms, has been doing reforms, and due to the long process of being an applicant for accession, already has implemented quite a numerous amount of legislation that follows the European acquis,” Waitz said.

Waitz noted that negotiations with the country can start immediately if it adopts the constitutional amendments “that safeguard the rights of minorities”.

“I hope that this report is contributing to ease the way to start these effective negotiations,” he added.

According to the MEP, the Report talks about the reforms that need to be implemented, the situation which, he said, is still far from European standards, the rule of law, independent justice, fight against corruption, as well as environmental standards.

“North Macedonia is a country where civil society still has room to maneuver, has still room to express their opinions and to work, this is not given all over the Western Balkan. We are talking about a country that is trying to take the needed steps towards finally starting accession talks. It is important that we have this Report now and I think this is a good way forward and with this optimism that I bring into this process I am confident that we will be able to be helpful in guiding the country towards needed reforms but also praising the progress that has happened already and to also encourage the Government to take the needed steps to finally start accession talks,” Waitz stressed.

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