The ‘Conversations for the Future at 12:05’ initiative calls for the adoption of a joint national strategy to accelerate European integration, asserting that European Union membership must not be used for partisan bickering or political maneuvering.
Responding to the European Commission’s latest progress report on Macedonia, the initiative stresses that the European perspective is a long-term national interest, rather than a project belonging to any single government or political party. They argue that no political entity can claim exclusive rights over the European integration process, nor can any group claim a monopoly on patriotism.
The initiative welcomes the public’s support for EU membership, the progress made under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, the implementation of the Reform Agenda, and the country’s alignment with the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Nevertheless, they maintain that progress in these areas cannot serve as a substitute for the necessary domestic reforms. They particularly stress the need for a more robust fight against corruption, changes to the political system, and the reform of electoral legislation—all of which should be pursued without waiting for full EU membership. Among the specific demands of the initiative are the development of a national plan to reintegrate Macedonia into the group of countries, alongside Albania and Montenegro, within the European integration process, as well as the achievement of a political and multi-ethnic consensus regarding the necessary constitutional amendments.
Additionally, they propose the introduction of a single electoral district and open electoral lists, legislative measures to prevent the statute of limitations from expiring in cases involving political corruption, and the verification of the origins of movable and immovable property belonging to current and former elected or appointed officials, as well as their immediate family members.