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European support for Balkan EU accession

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2026-08-19 15:16 UTC → 2026-08-20 06:27 UTC · added ~~removed~~

European nations are increasing diplomatic engagement to support the EU accession processes of Balkan states. Croatia has deepened ties with Albania and North Macedonia through cultural, youth, and institutional cooperation. Croatian officials praised Albania’s progress in closing initial negotiation chapters and offered technical assistance for its EU bid. Similarly, the Czech Republic has reaffirmed that North Macedonia’s accession is a priority. Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka, meeting with North Macedonian Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski in Ohrid, expressed readiness to share lessons from the Czech Republic’s own accession process. Addressing the dispute between Skopje and Sofia, Macinka noted the issue has evolved into a multilateral matter based on 2022 European Council conclusions. He emphasized the importance of reaching a consensus within the EU, stating that the Czech Republic does not wish to change the system to allow for qualified majority voting on such matters. Macinka expressed a willingness to assist in finding a solution acceptable to both North Macedonia and Bulgaria, noting that Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala plans to visit Sofia in the coming weeks to discuss regional dynamics. In subsequent meetings in Ohrid with Foreign Minister Mucunski and President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Macinka reiterated that Prague is monitoring the complexity of the Macedonian accession process closely. He noted that EU enlargement serves the mutual interests of both nations. President Siljanovska-Davkova characterized the integration of the Western Balkans as a matter of “European security,” rather than merely a political or technical concern. Mucunski added that while integration is a strategic goal, North Macedonia requires a “fair, predictable, and merit-based process” that respects its identity and language. During an official visit to North Macedonia, Macinka reaffirmed that EU accession remains a priority for the Czech Republic and offered assistance in mediating the dispute between Skopje and Sofia.

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