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North Macedonia EU envoy appointment sparks debate

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2026-07-30 23:54 UTC → 2026-07-31 11:59 UTC · added ~~removed~~

North Macedonia EU ~~diplomatic moves~~ envoy appointment sparks debate

In late July 2026 North Macedonia intensified its EU engagement. On 24 July the foreign minister urged full implementation of European Court of Human Rights judgments concerning ethnic Macedonians in Bulgaria, framing the issue for the Council of Europe ahead of the country’s 2028 chairmanship. Five days later the government formalised the appointment of former deputy prime minister Arben Fetai as a special envoy to the EU, based in Brussels. Fetai announced the move on Facebook, thanking Prime Minister Christian Mikovski and saying his mandate is to advance accession, strengthen political support in EU institutions and improve communication with EU bodies. The appointment followed his resignation on 1 June, which parliament formally accepted on 10 June, and was decided at a cabinet meeting held after his departure. Deputy prime minister‑turned‑envoy Bujar Osmani, the Democratic Union for Integration, the Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partner Izet Mejiti criticised the creation of a parallel diplomatic channel, arguing it could undermine the permanent mission, cause ambiguity in state representation and waste public funds. On 29 July the cabinet again affirmed Fetai’s role, and Osmani reiterated his concerns while Mejiti announced he would also serve as a special representative in Brussels. The episode underscores Macedonia’s proactive yet contested strategy to shape its role in European institutions ahead of upcoming presidencies and accession talks.

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