Von der Leyen Praises Reforms but Calls for Constitutional Progress
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen applauded North Macedonia’s recent reform efforts Thursday, while emphasising that constitutional amendments remain critical for advancing the country’s EU membership ambitions. Speaking alongside Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski in Skopje, she highlighted the importance of constitutional changes that North Macedonia previously committed to, including the inclusion of a Bulgarian ethnic minority in the constitution to resolve longstanding tensions with neighbouring Bulgaria.
Regional Security Pressures Amplify Urgency for EU Enlargement
North Macedonia’s accession has been stalled due to Bulgaria’s demand for constitutional recognition of its minority within North Macedonia. The former government attempted to address this through an amendment, yet it lacked the necessary parliamentary majority for passage. Prime Minister Mickoski’s new conservative administration has since conditioned such changes on Bulgaria’s commitment to back North Macedonia’s EU membership without imposing further demands.
“We are almost there,” von der Leyen stated, stressing the importance of constitutional reforms in advancing the accession process. Her visit to Skopje was part of a broader diplomatic mission through the Balkans aimed at reinforcing the EU’s commitment to regional integration amid heightened security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The conflict has intensified European efforts to stabilise neighbouring regions and expand EU influence within the Balkans.
Editor: Andreea Gudin
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