European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently visited Skopje, North Macedonia, where she urged the country’s political parties to collaborate on constitutional reforms essential for advancing their European Union accession bid. Her visit comes amid ongoing tensions with Bulgaria, which have stalled the process.
Key Takeaways
- Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes the need for constitutional changes in North Macedonia.
- Ongoing disputes with Bulgaria are hindering the EU accession process.
- The new conservative government insists on Bulgaria’s approval before making constitutional amendments.
- The urgency for EU membership has increased due to geopolitical tensions in Europe.
Background on North Macedonia’s EU Accession
North Macedonia has been striving for EU membership for several years, but its path has been complicated by a dispute with Bulgaria. The previous government had agreed to amend the constitution to recognize a Bulgarian ethnic minority, a move intended to ease tensions. However, the current conservative administration, led by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, has taken a more cautious approach, stating that constitutional changes will only occur if Bulgaria first supports North Macedonia’s EU membership without additional conditions.
Von Der Leyen’s Visit
During her visit, von der Leyen praised North Macedonia’s reform efforts but highlighted the importance of constitutional amendments. She stated, "We are almost there, but we know it’s about the constitutional change that your country has committed to." This statement underscores the EU’s expectation for North Macedonia to fulfill its commitments to progress in the accession process.
The Impact of Geopolitical Tensions
The urgency for North Macedonia’s EU membership has been amplified by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting instability in Europe. The EU has recognized the need to support Balkan countries in their accession efforts, particularly as they seek to align more closely with European standards and values.
In 2022, the EU began membership talks with both North Macedonia and Albania. However, the bloc has recently opted to advance Albania’s accession process independently, a departure from the previous strategy of moving both countries forward together. This shift has raised concerns in North Macedonia about its standing in the EU accession timeline.
Call for Cross-Party Support
Von der Leyen’s visit also served as a call for unity among North Macedonia’s political parties. She urged them to work together to achieve the necessary constitutional changes, emphasizing that cross-party support is crucial for the country’s EU aspirations. Her message was clear: without cooperation, the path to EU membership will remain obstructed.
Conclusion
As North Macedonia navigates its complex political landscape, the call for cooperation from the EU Commission chief highlights the critical role of unity in achieving its European aspirations. The ongoing dispute with Bulgaria remains a significant hurdle, but with concerted efforts from all political factions, North Macedonia may still find a way to advance its EU accession bid in the near future.
Sources
- EU Commission chief urges North Macedonia’s political parties to cooperate on accession push | AP News, AP News.
- EU Commission chief urges North Macedonia’s political parties to cooperate on accession push, Toronto Star.
- EU Commission chief urges North Macedonia’s political parties to cooperate on accession push | International | bgdailynews.com, Bowling Green Daily News.
