Pro-Russian and anti-European forces have obstructed the European integration process of North Macedonia, stated Prime Minister Dimitar Kovačevski on Thursday in Brussels, addressing the conclusions of the European Union summit. The joint summit of leaders, EU-Western Balkans, took place on December 13 in Brussels.
Kovačevski stated that there is nothing new regarding North Macedonia from this summit due to the non-approval of constitutional changes, for the inclusion of the Bulgarian minority in its preamble as a constitutive people based on what is known as the “French proposal” to resolve its disputes with Bulgaria.
The European Union reiterated its commitment to the European perspective of the Western Balkans based on credible reforms, proper and fair conditions, and the principle of merit for each.
For the next delay in the European integration process, the Macedonian Prime Minister blamed the opposition, calling it “pro-Russian and anti-European”.
“We could have come to Brussels as winners, proudly stating that we continue with the opening of chapters related to negotiations with the EU and thus continue the path of European integration. However, it was confirmed that the only obstacle preventing this is the pro-Russian, anti-EU, and anti-NATO coalition led by VMRO-DPMNE and the Left party. Our citizens had the opportunity to understand that these politicians have deprived them of the chance to join the progressive European family as quickly as possible,” Kovačevski expressed before the Macedonian media in Brussels.
However, Kovačevski stated that Brussels has confirmed its commitment to the European perspective of North Macedonia and that, once the constitutional changes are approved, the intergovernmental meeting will be held, signifying the start of accession negotiations.
“In Brussels, our state had positive debates, and from European leaders, we received support for our path towards the EU. This is clearly emphasized in the EU’s conclusions, stating that, with North Macedonia, immediately after fulfilling the condition for constitutional changes, the second intergovernmental meeting will be held for the start of negotiations,” said Kovačevski.
He emphasized that the only alternative for North Macedonia is the EU, and there will be no turning back from this path.
Meanwhile, VMRO-DPMNE dismissed Kovačevski’s accusations, accusing his government of involvement in “organized crime and corruption”.
According to this party, the main obstacles to European integration are related to the “politicization and criminalization of institutions”.
“Such accusations are only reasons to hide Macedonia’s failure in the fight against organized crime and corruption, and for this, the Social Democratic Union (SDSM) and the Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) are to blame. This government is a leader in crime, the essence of all problems. The high level of crime and corruption exists at the top of the government, but it also exists in all other segments of society. Practically, there is no sector in the state without corruption,” said Marija Miteva, VMRO-DPMNE spokesperson.
The party stated that it is not against the inclusion of Bulgarians in the Constitution but seeks guarantees from the EU that there will be no new conditions.
The Macedonian opposition believes that the Bulgarian side will present demands throughout the EU negotiations process that also involve denying Macedonian identity and language.
North Macedonia officially started accession negotiations with the European Union on July 19, 2023, but these negotiations are more political, as the chapters’ discussions are conditioned by the approval of constitutional changes.
North Macedonia gained candidate status for EU membership in 2006, but the accession process has been hindered by unresolved disputes with Greece and Bulgaria.
