EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised North Macedonia’s reform efforts but stressed the importance of addressing constitutional reforms for EU accession. North Macedonia’s conflict with Bulgaria has hindered its progress, with the need for a constitutional change to include a reference to a Bulgarian ethnic minority. Von der Leyen’s regional tour aims to reassure Western Balkan nations of their EU membership prospects amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine accelerating EU bids in the Balkans.
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