"The constitutional changes are a fact. We are aware that this is an issue that the current government wants to resolve with certain guarantees and assurances that there will be no bilateralization of the process. I believe that we should give space to the ongoing diplomatic activity and not lose focus," said the EU Ambassador to Macedonia, Michalis Rokas, tonight.

In an interview with MRTV, Rokas said that the European integration process is based on merit, and that the Copenhagen criteria and the EU legal framework include minority rights, especially the action plan for minorities, which must be present. Regarding the constitutional amendments, he said that they are a "fact" and that it is a commitment undertaken two and a half years ago, unanimously by the EU, that is, by the member states and North Macedonia.

"It exists and it is valid. As I said before, we are aware that this is an issue that the current government wants to resolve with certain guarantees and assurances that there will be no bilateralization of the process. We understand that, but also, EU leaders have already declared themselves against bilateralization in the enlargement process. However, we all know what the commitments are and I have already mentioned the diplomatic activity that is underway. That is why I believe that we need to give space to diplomacy to produce results, and at the same time, we must not lose focus, because the momentum is here, the opportunity is here and the funds are available. We need to make sure that we press the gas pedal constantly when it comes to the reforms that need to be implemented because these reforms through the reform agenda or through the growth plan are necessary. And that is exactly what the citizens of the country expect," said Rokas.

The EU ambassador says in the interview that he fully understands the frustration and that the population of North Macedonia is tired of waiting for 20 years. However, he adds that he will stick to the goal he stated when he arrived in the country, emphasizing that the situation is significantly different this time.

"First, we have a new momentum for enlargement. Geostrategic imperatives have made enlargement a necessity, something that has to happen. This was not always the case. And we also have the EU Growth Plan and the related reform agenda. This is how the gradual integration of North Macedonia into the EU will happen, especially in the internal market. But we also have what our President Ursula von der Leyen said when she came to Skopje three months ago, when she sent a message of hope. On the one hand, she stressed that there is still one obstacle to overcome, the constitutional changes to which the country has committed itself. But she is confident that through joint work, dialogue and cooperation we will overcome this obstacle," Rokas said.

The EU ambassador is convinced that the country's European integration process will be successful, emphasizing that there are many benefits from accession.

"I am sure that if we work together hand in hand with the Government and all political parties in North Macedonia, we will achieve the goal. We are aware of the situation. We know the position well. And we are also aware that there is currently very intense diplomatic activity. While this diplomatic activity is taking place, it should be given time to produce results, while at the same time we implement the reform activity that has already been adopted," Rokas said.

The EU ambassador praised the country for its full alignment with the Common Foreign and Security Policy. According to him, "this is a huge achievement and the European Union is very grateful for it."