Kyuchyuk’s report on North Macedonia was voted with large majority

MEP calls for compromise on roadmap with Bulgaria to restart European integration process and convene first intergovernmental conference as soon as possible

Yesterday, the EP voted on Ilhan Kyuchyuk’s report on North Macedonia with 558 votes in favour, 70 against and 59 abstentions.

Earlier in the day, MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk presented his report on the Republic of North Macedonia, which objectively reflects both the positive and negative trends in the country in recent years.

The European Parliament approved the “Kyuchyuk Report” by an overwhelming majority, urging political will for dialogue and sustainable change to hold the first intergovernmental conference with North Macedonia, following a European Council decision late last year which was painful for the Western Balkans.

The report on North Macedonia highlights progress and difficulties, but also notes the need for more in-depth and sustainable reforms in public administration transparency, the fight against corruption, the rule of law and democracy.

In plenary and during a press conference at the EP, Kyuchyuk emphasized that Europe had managed to prove that it stood behind its partners. He said mobilizing 3.3 billion euros for countries in the region to tackle the effects of the pandemic was a clear demonstration of European solidarity, which has long been questioned.

In his speech, the MEP also mentioned the difficulties related to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, as well as the relations between Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia.

“I hope that both North Macedonia and Bulgaria will resume the constructive dialogue on the pending bilateral issues in order to achieve sustainable results. Reaching a compromise over an action plan of concrete measures, the implementation of which is to be regularly assessed in accordance with the Friendship Treaty would restart the process and would allow the Council to convene the first intergovernmental conference as soon as possible. As I am convinced that further delays will put at risk the credibility, objectivity and reliability of the accession process. We have to focus on the bigger picture. Through building trust together, we build our common future within the EU. As we need more bridges that unite us, than walls of division.”, he said.

The MEP pointed out that his report is objective and has been prepared based on actual results achieved by the North Macedonia, adding that: “the country demonstrated continuity of its dedicated commitment to the European path and the understanding of the need to implement stable and inclusive democratic reforms, to strengthen democracy and the rule of law in order to reinforce the climate of mutual trust. ”

In conclusion, the MEP urged political parties to refrain from using nationalistic and provocative statements and to work constructively for the common European cause.

The entire video presentation of the report on North Macedonia can be found here.

Тази публикация е достъпна и на следните езици: Bulgarian