Skopje, 4 May 2026 (MIA) - Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi addressed Monday the first day of the Conference of Speakers of EU Parliaments and Candidate Countries held in Copenhagen on the topic of “Europe in a Changing World Order: Security, Enlargement and the Role of Parliaments”.

In his address, Gashi said the EU accession process is complex and long-lasting, requiring changes in society. 

“As has been stressed on many occasions before, enlargement remains one of the European Union’s biggest successes – a powerful investment in peace, stability, and prosperity across our continent. It has been shown that Europe becomes stronger when it opens its doors for the nations that are ready to accept its standards. However, the EU accession process is complex and long-lasting and requires serious and constant changes in society. Fundamental reforms in public administration, judiciary, and the economy are essential. We accept these challenges not because they have been imposed on us, but because they are of essential importance for our citizens and our future. However, years of delays, changing criteria, and growing skepticism within the Union have caused fatigue and frustration, calling into question the trust which is driving our efforts,” the Speaker of Parliament said.

Gashi stressed the country’s commitment to EU accession remains firm, noting that the country is seeking a process that is fair, predictable, and based on merit. He highlighted the role played by the parliaments of the EU member states and the European Parliament in the enlargement process. 

“Through active inter-parliamentary cooperation, the sharing of expertise and building trust, your parliaments are providing us, the candidate countries, with vital and practical support. We see you as meaningful partners on our EU accession journey, because you actively back the adoption of EU rules and the strengthening of our democratic institutions,” Gashi said.

The Speaker welcomed the EU’s internal reforms but cautioned against their becoming a reason to further delay enlargement, noting that internal reforms and enlargement must move forward hand in hand.

Photo: Parliament