This was stated in Skopje by European Council President Antonio Costa, who gave a joint press conference with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, BGNES reported.

He pointed out that at the meeting with Mickoski, they discussed the steps Skopje must take to move forward.

“I encourage the Prime Minister to make efforts to achieve further progress. You can count on us, on the European Union. It is crucial to continue with reforms, to invest in the rule of law and the fight against corruption,” Costa said.

"The future of North Macedonia is in the EU. The accession process is like a marathon. It can sometimes be frustrating, as it has been for all previous candidates. But they all achieved their goal, and you will achieve your goal. I believe we share the goal of EU enlargement. It is the best investment in peace, stability, and security we can make. I congratulate you on the progress made on the reform program," Costa added.

He was adamant that “in order to achieve results on European integration, what was agreed in 2022 must be implemented.”

"Prime Minister Mickoski knows that he can count on me and the EU to turn the page and move forward. That was the reason for my visit to Bulgaria two weeks ago. When you ask ‘what guarantees do we have?’, it is clear that what has been agreed is agreed and there is nothing else to agree on. Now is the time to implement it and there is no room for asking for more," the President of the European Council continued.

"I understand the prime minister when he talks about changing the name, the flag. When he talks about previous changes to the Constitution. Now we must be sure that no one will come and ask for more than what has already been agreed. I agree with him (Mickoski). But what has been agreed must be implemented," he added.

Costa also stressed that the strategic Corridors 8 and 10 must be completed because they will bring concrete results for the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia. | BGNES