VMRO-DPMNE leaves session while Dimitrov and Osmani discuss EU’s decision in Parliament Committee

Deputy PM for European Affairs Bujar Osmani told MPs Tuesday the European Council decision not to give North Macedonia a date for the start of accession negotiations is an injustice and historic mistake.
VMRO-DPMNE MPs abandoned the session prior to Osmani and Dimitrov’s remarks, labeling it as a government party.

The Parliament’s Committee on European Affairs held a thematic session dedicated to the country’s Euro-integration processes, following the recent European Council decision to postpone the start of the EU accession negotiations.

The Prespa Agreement cannot be fully implemented if we aren’t included in the process to join the European Union, Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov told a session of the Committee on European Affairs with MPs debating the decision of the EU leaders not to set a date for start of negotiations with the country.

“Under the Prespa Agreement, full implementation of our obligations is related to the EU accession process. As regards the existing documents and materials issued at home, our obligations start and end five years counting from the opening of chapters,” noted Dimitrov.

Although NATO membership is a sure thing, the Minister said, it doesn’t mean we have to undermine the fulfillment of one of the two key strategic goals. “NATO secures security, predictability and investments.”

“We’ve lost a generation, but we mustn’t fall into the same trap. Instead of the narrative of victim, we should chose the narrative of victor. It’s hard, but we’ll find a hole, we’ll get out and move forward. And by moving forward, we are going to help Europe, help ourselves and also help our neighbors in the region. I’d like to conclude with a Churchill quote: Never give in, never give in!,” FM Dimitrov said.

“The European Council decision in June 2018 launched the explanatory screening, which is mandatory prior to the start of the accession negotiations. Let’s be clear, EU’s non-decision and lack of consensus is an injustice and a historic mistake,” said Deputy PM Osmani.

He said that regardless of the outcome, North Macedonia is a model of functional multiethnic democracy on the Balkans, a country observing European principles of equality, solidarity, compromises, a country closing all major issues with neighbors or internal relations among different ethnic communities.

“The feeling of disappointment from the EU must not steer us away from the European values and the reform path, the road of making friends in our neighbors, creating a functional multiethnic society, a European state observing European rules, standards and values. Because our only path has always been and will continue to be the European perspective. There is no backing off,” added Osmani.

MPs, diplomatic corps, government and non-governmental institutions, academic community, media attended the Committee session.