Bauer: Proposal to adopt constitutional amendments with delayed effect deserves serious consideration

Austria's Minister for Europe, Claudia Bauer, told Macedonian interlocutors that a proposal to adopt constitutional amendments with a delayed entry into force deserves thorough consideration as a way out of the stalled EU accession talks. Bauer, who comes from the Austrian People's Party, visited Skopje in April 2026 and urged clarity for North Macedonia so the accession process does not become hostage to repeated new demands.

Bilaterals must be resolved through dialogue, she said

Bauer stressed that bilateral disagreements should be resolved through bilateral dialogue and must not hold the entire accession process to ransom. She said Austria is ready to support constructive talks and a fair compromise. In her words: "We also support qualified majority voting for technical steps, so that a single member state cannot block every small decision. Constitutional amendments remain an agreed step towards opening the first Cluster. But they must not lead to an endless series of new demands. North Macedonia needs clarity and must know that, when it fulfils its obligations, the EU will fulfil its as well."

She added that people in North Macedonia understandably seek assurances that, once constitutional changes are adopted, the process will continue without new bilateral conditions. "The EU must stand behind the agreed negotiating framework. When North Macedonia makes the agreed step, Europe must be ready to move forward. Obligations must apply both ways. Clear political signals from the EU and Bulgaria are essential to rebuild trust," Bauer said.

Bauer described the proposal to adopt constitutional amendments with delayed effect as a potentially pragmatic compromise in difficult circumstances. "That is why this proposal deserves serious consideration. Any solution must be legally sound, respect the negotiating framework and be acceptable to all parties. But I am open to any serious compromise that can overcome the deadlock and bring North Macedonia closer to the European Union," she said.

Pointing to the wider responsibility of European governments, Bauer warned that changing conditions repeatedly undermines citizens' trust in the European project. "Accession is a two-way street. Candidate countries must carry out reforms, but when they deliver Europe must deliver. We cannot keep moving the goalposts. Gradual integration can bring visible results in areas such as SEPA, roaming or the single market. Europe must become a reality lived, especially for young people," she said, and added that she can imagine North Macedonia joining the EU during this decade if political courage and will are found both in Skopje and in the Union.

Photo: Fejsbuk-profil na ministerot Timcho Mucunski