European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commended North Macedonia’s reform efforts but emphasized the importance of constitutional changes for the country to progress in its bid to join the EU.

The ongoing dispute with Bulgaria has hindered North Macedonia’s EU accession process, with the need for a constitutional amendment being a key factor. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski’s new government insists on amending the constitution only if Bulgaria approves EU membership for North Macedonia without additional conditions.

Von der Leyen urged cross-party support in North Macedonia for the constitutional amendment, highlighting the urgency of EU accession bids amid regional instability caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The EU has initiated membership talks with North Macedonia and Albania separately, departing from the previous approach of progressing both countries together. Von der Leyen’s tour also includes visits to other Western Balkan nations as the EU seeks to reassure them of their membership prospects.

[AP]