Skopje, 13 September 2024 (MIA) - The main foreign policy priority of the new Macedonian Government is complete integration within the European Union, and that process is key for the realization of the national interests, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski told Spanish news agency EFE in an interview, according to a press release by the Ministry.

Regarding the blockade by Bulgaria, Mucunski stressed that the Government remains in favor of a delayed implementation of the constitutional amendments.

Touching on the Euro-integration process, Mucunski remarked that “unjust bilateralization and double standards have become a part of the European Union’s accession process”.

He said the country has done more than any other to join the EU, connecting the blockades by the neighbors with “interests of third parties who don’t want a European future for the Western Balkans”.

“We are a country that became a candidate in 2005, and we have had many positive recommendations by the European Commission for the opening of negotiations, but unfortunately, we are still not there. This is something we deserve, and I hope we will achieve it as soon as possible,” Mucunski said.

The Foreign Minister added that the country has made many concessions to meet European demands, noting that the new Government is ready to meet the remaining conditions to get closer to the EU standards.

“Those are the criteria that we want to be assessed by. It isn’t fair to assess our country based on subjective bilateral standards that have nothing to do with the EU. When they make a history book about the decision-making and enlargement of the EU, we will be the chapter for unjust bilateralization,” Mucunski said.

Mucunski gave the interview during his visit to Madrid, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Spain.  

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade