Skopje:The European Union will assess necessary changes to its institutions, policies, and budget as it prepares for future enlargement, as stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

According to Anadolu Agency, von der Leyen made these remarks at a press conference with North Macedonian Premier Hristijan Mickoski in Skopje. She announced that the EU will present its pre-enlargement policy reviews next week, focusing on institutional, policy, and budgetary changes required to accommodate future member states.

This initiative follows reports that Brussels is exploring ways to strengthen ties with candidate countries prior to full membership. The proposed strategy includes the "gradual integration" of these countries into the EU's single market and aims at fostering closer trade relations.

Von der Leyen emphasized that enlargement is a reciprocal process where candidate countries must be prepared for membership, and the EU must be ready to welcome them. She reiterated the EU's commitment to expanding its membership and ensuring readiness for enlargement.

Addressing North Macedonia, von der Leyen highlighted the importance of the country taking critical steps in its accession negotiations, particularly in opening the fundamentals cluster. She also affirmed the EU's support for North Macedonia's European journey, acknowledging the country's unique identity, language, and culture.

North Macedonia's path to EU accession has been complicated by unresolved disputes with Greece and Bulgaria, particularly over historical, linguistic, and identity issues.