North Macedonia needs constitutional changes for EU accession, says Marta Kos

North Macedonia, a country in the Western Balkans, is currently navigating its path towards European Union membership amid complex geopolitical dynamics. On November 27, 2024, Marta Kos, the new European Commissioner for Enlargement, addressed the media after the approval of the European Commission’s new composition. She expressed her expectation that North Macedonia will modify its Constitution, a change deemed essential by the EU for the country's progress towards accession. Kos emphasized that achieving constitutional amendments would potentially accelerate the EU membership process for North Macedonia. Kos acknowledged that the situation regarding enlargement has evolved in recent years. According to her, the geopolitical environment now presents real opportunities for several Western Balkan countries to advance towards EU membership in the coming years, particularly those that meet the stipulated conditions. She refrained from specifying which countries might be ready for this advancement, highlighting her commitment to fostering cooperation and dialogue with all nations in the region. She stated the importance of discussions between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, suggesting that open dialogue is crucial for resolving bilateral issues that could hinder accession progress. Kos's remarks included a reflection on the dynamics of enlargement as shifting from five years ago. She affirmed her belief that her appointment as Commissioner would positively influence the Western Balkans. Kos plans to engage closely with countries preparing for EU entry and aims to facilitate their accession process through collaboration and consistent communication. Her optimistic outlook reflects a renewed commitment to the Western Balkans, a region often fraught with complexity due to historical and ongoing disputes. Overall, Kos's statements underscore the significance of constitutional changes in North Macedonia and the overarching importance of dialogue and genuine engagement with all stakeholders. For North Macedonia to progress toward EU membership, it must demonstrate its commitment to the necessary reforms, thereby aligning itself more closely with European values and standards.