Kos: No one can guarantee that there will be no obstacles on North Macedonia’s European path after the constitutional changes

Brussels – No one can guarantee North Macedonia that if it changes its Constitution now, there will be no more obstacles on the European path, said the European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in an interview with the European News Agency (ENA) in response to a question from MIA whether the EU and member states can guarantee that after the implementation of constitutional changes there would be no new blockages due to bilateral issues related to identity, language, or history.

– We understand that this is not an easy question. Changing the Constitution. We also understand that it is very human and understandable that your country wants to have guarantees after everything it has gone through. There can be no guarantees, but what I expect from all member states when there are bilateral issues is that the discussions are conducted in good faith and with a vision to reach a compromise, said Kos. 

She emphasized that this does not mean that the EC is not working to help the country start negotiations on clusters, stressing that she is personally engaged in the bilateral issue with Bulgaria and that she is leaving for Sofia today to meet with all Bulgarian politicians, and then she will also contact politicians in the country. 

– It would be best if bilateral issues were not mixed into the accession process. That does not mean that bilateral issues are not important. You know, I can understand that Hungary is fighting for its minority (in Ukraine). I can understand that Bulgaria is doing the same, but it is bad when this really interferes with the accession process, said Kos. 

She expressed hope that a solution for unblocking the country’s accession process will be found soon and that once that happens, negotiations on clusters can begin without any new conditions. 

– Therefore, we urge you, please make the reforms and be ready to open the first cluster, said the European Commissioner for Enlargement. 

Kos emphasized that under the current conditions, she fully understands the frustration of the people in the country. 

– You know, when Yugoslavia collapsed, Macedonia, at that time, was the second most developed republic in the former Yugoslavia. For comparison, let’s say if Ukraine has to wait to start negotiations as long as your country has waited, we could start them in 2045, added Kos. (April 16, 2025)