The panel discussion marking the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement (OFA) continued on Wednesday. The need for continuing reforms, strengthening decentralization, the rule of law, and European integration, as well as improving the quality of public services, was highlighted.
Former OSCE diplomat Clarisse Pastory, who was engaged in the country during the negotiations and implementation of the OFA, said that the document was more than a peace treaty because it protected human rights, included communities in institutions, and strengthened democracy through equitable representation and decentralization.
Former Strumica Mayor Kostadin Kostadinov stated that the OFA should not be considered finished business.
“In 2001, the strategic and national interest was peace. In 2026, the strategic and national interest is full and final integration into the EU”, he said.