Vote in the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the constitutional changes for the implementation of the Prespa agreement

Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner Johannes Hahn on the vote in the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the constitutional changes for the implementation of the Prespa agreement

Today, in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Parliament took a very important step towards the implementation of the Prespa agreement through the vote launching the constitutional changes procedure. We now expect the national procedures for the implementation of the agreement to continue without any delays, towards the adoption of the constitutional changes.

The European Union strongly supports the historic agreement signed by Prime Ministers Zaev and Tsipras in June. It took political courage, leadership and responsibility to resolve one of the oldest disputes in the region. This determination was confirmed with the vote today.

This is a truly unique opportunity for decisively moving the country forward on its European Union path as well as for reconciliation in the region. The European Union will continue to fully support and accompany the country, all its citizens and its institutions.