North Macedonia seeks inclusion in European Centre for Democratic Resilience

Bekim Sali, North Macedonia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs, has called for candidate countries to be included in the European Centre for Democratic Resilience from the outset. Speaking on the sidelines of the EU General Affairs Council, Sali emphasized that foreign information manipulation, cyberattacks, and pressure on independent media and civil society are shared threats to both EU member states and candidate countries.

Sali noted that participation in the Centre would provide North Macedonia with timely access to European threat assessments, early warning mechanisms, expertise, and operational networks. It would also strengthen national capacities to combat disinformation, enhance strategic communication, and bolster cybersecurity.

North Macedonia intends to be an active contributor rather than just a user of the Centre. Internal preparations are underway, with the Ministry of Justice designated as the coordinating institution and contact points established for communication with the Centre’s Secretariat. Sali urged closer cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans to ensure enlargement contributes to European security and unity.