Debate: Report on North Macedonia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Didier Reynders
Language: EN

The Western Balkans have been a priority of this Commission since the beginning, and today they are more than ever a geostrategic priority for us. It is in our common interest to speed up the enlargement process. The EU Member States took an enormously historic decision in March 2020 when they decided to open accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania.  Now we need to deliver on our promise and officially launch this process with both countries as soon as possible, and before the end of the French Presidency. To speed up the accession process, the Commission has also upgraded its own toolset. We revised our enlargement methodology, putting an even stronger focus on fundamentals such as the rule of law and democracy. It is important that the EU use the full potential of its instruments, capacities and power.  North Macedonia has demonstrated its commitment to European Union values and determination to advance on its EU path. The country has condemned Russia’s military aggression and expressed its firm support to Ukraine and its people. The country is also fully aligned with all the European Union’s declarations, statements and restrictive measures on Russia.  At the same time, the country continues to show its determination to advance on EU reforms. As you have rightly pointed out in your report, North Macedonia has maintained a steady pace of progress in the implementation of reforms, in particular in key areas such as the judiciary, the fight against corruption and organised crime.  More than ever, the work of Parliament is key as a forum for political dialogue. It is important that all parties act constructively in this regard. I would like to thank the European Parliament for strengthening democratic processes in North Macedonia, including through the Jean Monnet dialogue.  During this current situation, the EU and North Macedonia are facing common challenges – increase of energy prices, inflation and concerns about the uncertainty of the future. We remain committed to help North Macedonia in every way we can, including through our financial assistance. The implementation of the instrument of pre—accession assistance and of our economic and investment plan will strengthen connectivity and contribute to greener and more digital economies, which will reduce dependencies. To make our investments a success we need the region to push ahead on building a common regional market.  Let me underline also the importance of good neighbourly relations. Pending bilateral issues between Bulgaria and North Macedonia need to be resolved as a matter of priority. The Commission is involved in helping both sides in this process. It is of utmost importance that efforts continue to find a mutually acceptable solution to pending bilateral issues.  To conclude, it is important that North Macedonia continue to deliver on reforms and that the EU deliver in return. The official launch of accession negotiations through the first Intergovernmental Conference will be the strongest possible signal the EU could send to the country, to the region and beyond. Thank you, of course, for your report. Thank you for your attention. I am looking forward to our discussions.