site.btaNo Guarantee for Hurdle-Free EU Path for North Macedonia - EU Enlargement Commissioner

In an interview with the European Newsroom, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said that there can be no guarantees to North Macedonia that constitutional changes would eliminate all future obstacles on its path to EU membership, reported the MIA news agency in Skopje. Responding to a question from MIA, she acknowledged the country's desire for assurances, especially after its past challenges, but emphasized that such guarantees are not possible.

The full interview with Commissioner Kos will be published by the European News Room later this week.

Kos voiced hope that bilateral disputes, such as those with Bulgaria concerning identity, language, and history, would be handled in good faith and with a spirit of compromise. She stressed that although bilateral issues are important, they should not hinder the enlargement process. Drawing a parallel, she mentioned Hungary’s advocacy for its minority in Ukraine and noted that while Bulgaria is doing the same, such actions can obstruct accession progress.

The Commissioner affirmed the European Commission's commitment to helping North Macedonia move forward, highlighting her personal involvement in the matter and upcoming meetings with Bulgarian politicians in Sofia, followed by outreach to North Macedonian leaders. She underlined the need for a swift but careful solution that supports good neighbourly relations and lays the groundwork for starting the negotiation clusters without additional conditions.

Kos acknowledged the public’s frustration in North Macedonia and reiterated that while the EU’s enlargement process remains merit-based, the Union now has a renewed vision aimed at accelerating accession for candidate countries.