The government in Skopje should make constitutional changes and build good neighbourly relations with Bulgaria and Greece.
This is stated in the draft report on Macedonia's progress towards the EU, prepared by the European Commission (EC), reports BGNES.
The document explicitly states that the government of Christian Mickoski must respect the treaties with Bulgaria and Greece - the Treaty of Friendship and Good Neighbourliness (1 August 2017 with Bulgaria) and the Prespa Agreement (17 June 2018 with Greece).
The EC pointed to North Macedonia as a good example of building a multi-ethnic society, but added that Skopje must fulfil its commitment to complete the constitutional changes.
The document also calls for intensifying and accelerating reforms related to EU approximation. It is primarily a question of strengthening the rule of law, increasing confidence in the judiciary, as well as investigations, prosecutions and the final conclusion of long-term trials involving high-profile individuals.
"North Macedonia needs to continue with the implementation of EU membership-related reforms, notably those in the Core Values cluster, such as judicial reforms, the fight against corruption and organised crime," the report said.
The EC recalls that the screening process for all six clusters ended in December 2023.
"The Commission looks forward to a swift and decisive follow-up to the Core Values Cluster Screening Report, including on the country roadmaps in line with the Negotiating Framework, with a view to opening the first cluster as soon as possible," the document adds. | BGNES
