EU Parliament rapporteur for Macedonia, Tomas Vajc, holds nothing back: "In the past year we have seen no progress and no reforms in Macedonia." The statement came in an interview with Euronews, and the tone is serious. Constitutional amendments including minority protections - a prerequisite for continuing accession talks - are still absent. At this pace, the question is not whether the EU will wait, but how long Macedonia can remain stuck at the same point.

Vajc stressed that if Macedonia fails to take advantage of the current favorable geopolitical moment for European integration, it risks deeply disappointing its own population. That is diplomatic language for: the window will close. He also hinted that with genuine commitment, Macedonia could accede alongside Albania and Montenegro within the current European Parliament mandate.

He described minority rights and self-determination as "core European values and Copenhagen Criteria requirements that cannot be negotiated." That is a message for domestic consumption: Brussels will not back down. Not due to pressure, but on principle.

When a European rapporteur says an entire year has been wasted - that is not criticism for the record. That is a warning to voters. Whether anyone inside is listening - that is the other question.