Meinl-Reisinger - Mucunski: Austria standing by North Macedonia in emergencies and EU path
Skopje, 20 March 2025 (MIA) - Austria's Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger met with North Macedonia's counterpart Timcho Mucunski in Vienna on Thursday, discussing Austria's support after the devastating fire in the Kochani nightclub, bilateral ties and further steps in the EU enlargement process.
After the tragic fire, Minister Mucunski sought Austria's support for treatment of burn patients, and Vienna responded by transferring six people to Vienna and Graz, the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs said in a press release.
"Austria’s support for the countries and people of the Western Balkans is a matter of course for me. This applies all the more when it comes to immediate medical assistance in such a tragic case as the victims of the fire in Kochani, North Macedonia. We stand by their side – in acute emergencies as well as in the shared effort to build a secure and stable European future," said Minister Meinl-Reisinger after the first evacuation flight earlier in the week.
Regarding the EU enlargement process, the Austrian FM reiterated the country's strong support for swift integration of all Western Balkans' countries in the Union, while welcoming North Macedonia's significant progress on its path to EU membership and highlighting the importance of speedy implementation of the constitutional amendments.
"Austria is one of the biggest supporters of North Macedonia's EU accession process. Further progress in reforms is of essential importance. North Macedonia's future lies in the EU," said Meinl-Reisinger and reaffirmed the geopolitical necessity of EU enlargement for the security of the people of Austria and Europe.
Austria is the largest investor in North Macedonia, with over 50 companies operating in the country. Ties are further strengthened by the well-integrated diaspora from North Macedonia. Ministers also stressed the importance of migration and border protection as an important aspect of cooperation, reads the press release.
MIA file photo
