North Macedonia reaffirms EU membership as strategic goal

North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski reaffirmed that European Union membership remains a strategic goal for the country, stating there has been ‘not a millimeter’ of movement away from this objective. Speaking in response to a parliamentary question from Arbana Pasholi, Mickoski emphasized the government's desire to not only begin but also complete the integration process.

Mickoski noted that the government is actively engaged in a dialogue with Bulgaria to unblock the Euro-integration process. He extended an invitation to the opposition to participate directly in the dialogue team with their eastern neighbor. The Prime Minister attributed current challenges to the policies of previous administrations and stated that efforts are underway to shift the perception of European partners.

Key developments include recent diplomatic contacts between the foreign ministers of North Macedonia and Bulgaria, as well as meetings with EU Commissioner Kaja Kallas. The next step involves aligning an action plan for minorities, a document already accepted by 26 EU member states but not yet by Bulgaria.