The successful referendum in Ireland, according to the Macedonian authorities, means one problem fewer for the process of Macedonia’s Euro-integration. On the other hand, the opposition believes that the Macedonian Government will no longer be able to use the EU’s internal problems as an excuse for the delays in this process. According to the civic sector, the enforcement of the Lisbon Treaty is going to provide Macedonians in Bulgaria and Greece with a new mechanism for protection of their rights.

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said this “is a step ahead for Macedonia on its path toward EU membership.”

“There is only one or two obstacles left. However it seemed that the previous failed referendum in Ireland was the biggest impediment to the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty, which makes clearer the situation as regards the European Union’s enlargement,” PM Gruevski said.