Skopje, 30 July 2025 (MIA) - Ireland has always supported EU enlargement based on merit, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, told a joint press conference with Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani on Wednesday.

Minister Byrne said EU membership transformed Ireland from an economic and social standpoint, bringing prosperity to the country.

"The EU membership consolidated Ireland's place on the global stage and I would say that our sovereignty was significantly enhanced after we sat on that table. Our culture and our language have also been protected through the EU membership. Here, you are speaking Macedonian, Albanian, we are speaking English but also Irish. Irish is the official language according to our Constitution and it became an official EU language, and this was quite transformational," said Byrne.

He is aware that North Macedonia's EU accession path is long, arduous and may seem like there is no end in sight.

"We must bring it to the end, to a positive outcome. I really hope we can work with you, bilaterally but also with our EU colleagues so that you can use the benefits from this. Both the country's citizens and the people from all member-states will benefit from your membership," said Byrne.

The Irish Minister said they would offer any assistance in ensuring that the accession process is just and based on merit.

Minister Murtezani said EU enlargement is an issue of common security, stability and vision, noting that Europe cannot be stable unless the Western Balkans is integrated and its neighborhood policy is unified, while adding that the country remains committed to reforms and open dialogue.

"Every candidate should be valued based on merits and not held hostage to bilateral disputes and political blockades. This is a prerequisite for maintaining the credibility of the European idea. Ireland is a success story when it comes to using the membership benefits through investments, open economy and strengthening of institutions. Ireland is also one of the vocal voices of reason and justice within the EU when it comes to the enlargement process. We value Ireland's loud and silent support within EU's institutions. This support is not declarative but consistent and principled. Ireland's EU Presidency in the second half of 2026 will represent another opportunity for enhancement of the region's European prospects," said Murtezani.

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