Delay in Opening Accession Negotiations With North Macedonia Damages Reputation of EU

He stressed that North Macedonia proved to be a trusted partner for the European Union, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.

“No doubt, North Macedonia demonstrated the best democratic transition record across the Western Balkans region. The recent changes in the international order and especially the European security architecture by Russian aggression in Ukraine are alarming, but North Macedonia has shown once again that it is a trusted and reliable partner,” Kyuchyuk pointed out.

In addition, MEP has said that the country has delivered sustained results and demonstrated efforts in order to strengthen the rule of law, as well as judicial independence; thus, the European Parliament will continue to urge the long overdue accession negotiations to officially initiate as soon as possible.

Through a statement, the Renew Europe Group has regretted the lack of unity in the Council of the European Union on opening accession negotiations with the Balkan country, despite the latter’s commitment to the rule of law and democracy, as well as its continued efforts to implement EU-related reforms.

According to the group, the annual progress report on North Macedonia reiterates the European Parliament’s support for the opening accession of talks. The report has also welcomed the democratic transition of North Macedonia and the improvement in transparency, political dialogue as well as the reduction in political polarization in this country.

Kyuchyuk also included in the report a comprehensive overview of pending reforms that North Macedonia should adopt regarding issues such as electoral reform, media, as well as improved accountability of public institutions.

Recently, the European Parliament urged the European Council to initiate discussions with North Macedonia and Albania after both countries have met the needed requirement and delivered sustained results.

A press release published by the European Parliament stressed that Members of the Parliament urged the EU to assess the historically important security complications for the stability and unity of Europe.

The Parliament of the European Union commends the country’s continuous efforts to strengthen the law, the minority rights and judicial independence while combating corruption and organized crime.

Besides, MEPs called on North Macedonia to reform its public administration and ensure media freedom.

“North Macedonia demonstrated the best democratic transition record across the Western Balkan region and is fully aligned with the EU’s foreign policy in the face of Russian aggression against Ukraine,” Ilhan Kyuchyuk, the rapporteur for North Macedonia, pointed out previously.

He also welcomed North Macedonia’s engagement to resolve bilateral issues with Bulgaria and urged both countries to find a mutually acceptable solution.