Tuesday, June 2nd 2026
Enlargement is our common goal and the future of North Macedonia rests firmly within the European Union, said the President of the European Council Antonio Costa in Skopje, reports Anadolu.
Costa was received in the capital of North Macedonia by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, with whom he held a face-to-face meeting and between delegations. After the meeting, Costa and Mickoski held a joint press conference, focusing on the country’s EU membership process.
In his speech, Prime Minister Mickoski said that the country remains committed to the European path and seeks a fair and predictable process, emphasizing: “Our position is clear, we remain firmly determined for the European path”.
He added that North Macedonia does not seek privileges, but a process based on principles and evaluation of the reforms.
The Prime Minister of North Macedonia expressed his conviction that, as he said, dignity, identity and principles should not be an obstacle for the European perspective.
He also emphasized that the country is working on reforms in administration, economy and institutions, but warned about the uncertainty that citizens feel after long years of waiting and political changes in the integration process.
– Costa: Constitutional changes, a necessary step for the formal opening of negotiations
Costa, on the other hand, emphasized that EU expansion is a common objective and that the future of North Macedonia is in the European Union. “Enlargement is our common goal and the future of North Macedonia lies firmly within the European Union”, he said.
He praised the progress of reforms, especially in the rule of law and public administration, adding that these are key for benefiting from the EU Growth Plan and for the advancement of membership negotiations.
Costa also emphasized that North Macedonia’s compliance with the EU’s common foreign policy is an important signal. strategic, describing the EU as the region’s most reliable partner.
Regarding the accession process, Costa said that the agreed constitutional changes remain the necessary step for the formal opening of negotiations: “It is the only way to unlock the full benefits of membership in the European Union for the people of North Macedonia,” he said.
The head of the European Council added that progress in integration depends on constructive dialogue with neighbors and the implementation of reforms. necessary.
Costa also emphasized that the EU will continue to support North Macedonia politically and financially, but that “the power to shape the future is in your hands”, calling for pragmatic steps and confidence-building in the region.
“We want to officially open negotiations with North Macedonia as soon as possible”, declared Costa.
He said that the European Council in 2022 already set the framework for negotiations with North Macedonia and “nothing less and nothing more” is required.
Costa is conducting a tour of the countries of the Western Balkans, which will end with the participation in the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat, Montenegro on June 5.
Source: prizrenpost
Etiketa: Brief
