Skopje, 27 February 2025 (MIA) - For more than two decades, the Joint Parliamentary Committee has been a pillar of the partnership, guiding dialogue and ensuring that North Macedonia's European integration remains a strategic priority, said participants in the 23rd meeting of the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) taking place in the Parliament on Thursday and Friday. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski said that the country highly appreciates the work of the Joint Parliamentary Committee and is grateful for the commitment and support. 

"This year marks two decades since our country received candidate status for EU membership. Twenty years of reforms, compromises, often difficult and painful decisions, but decisions made with a vision for the European future. In that long process, Macedonian citizens have remained committed to European values, ​​despite the challenges and disappointments on this long journey. But today, more than ever, clarity, predictability and determination are needed in our integration process. We need concrete steps, not just declarative support. Europe must not lose the trust of citizens who have sincerely believed in the European project for two decades," Mucunski pointed out. 

According to him, the Government continues reforms with unabated intensity.

"We are strengthening the rule of law, promoting independence of the judiciary, modernizing public administration and building an economy based on competitiveness and innovation. We are resolutely fighting against corruption and organized crime, and we have aligned our policies with the European acquis and common priorities, infrastructure connectivity and focus on Corridors 8 and 10, digitalization, energy security," said Mucunski.

Our commitments, he noted, are not just rhetoric, they are concrete, measurable and driven by the interests of the citizens.

"Such commitment will continue in relation to the obligations of the Reform Agenda and achieving the goals of the Growth Plan, as a significant instrument in promoting economic development, mutual cooperation and bringing the country, as well as the entire region, closer to the EU. In foreign policy, we also remain a consistent partner of the EU, with a fully aligned common foreign and security policy, which reaffirms our commitment to the principles of peace, stability and democratic values. Our support for Ukraine, participation in sanctions and the active role as a NATO member show that we are not just an observer, but a factor in building European security," Mucunski pointed out. 

He noted that in November last year, the country was the first in the region to sign a Security and Defence Partnership agreement with the EU, a new comprehensive framework for dialogue and deepened cooperation on key issues in this area.

He pointed out that good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation are the country's top priority.

"We have shown that even the most complex issues can be overcome through dialogue based on respect and cooperation. Over the past period, we have approached with proactivity and constructiveness based on the need for mutual respect and cooperation. We have confirmed our will for an open dialogue in good faith, as well as for seeking solutions that will ensure a better and predictable European future. In that spirit, we have remained consistent in fulfilling previously undertaken international obligations," said Minister Mucunski, adding that commitment to building good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation will continue.

According to him, bilateral issues should not and must not be an instrument for dictating progress or blocking the accession process of the neighbours.

"The process must remain credible, based on merit, and ensure predictability through increased dynamics. The progress we achieve must be objectively measured and valorized, and the support from the EU, its institutions, its member states is key to restoring and increasing trust in the European perspective," said Mucinski.

Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani stressed that for more than two decades, the JPC has been a pillar of the partnership, guiding dialogue and ensuring that North Macedonia's European integration remains a strategic priority.

"Europe is at a crossroads. In a world of growing uncertainty, the European Union has a responsibility to act not through indecisiveness but through strategic vision. The enlargement process cannot remain a secondary issue when it is in fact a key geopolitical necessity. The Western Balkans are not a separate entity; they are an inseparable part of Europe’s future. A stable, democratic and integrated region strengthens the European project and enhances the security, economic prosperity and global competitiveness of the entire continent. Geopolitical developments in recent years, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and broader global changes, have only reinforced the urgency of enlargement as a strategic imperative for the EU," Murtezani said. 

North Macedonia, he added, is ready to contribute to the European Union, not only as a member, but as an active participant in strengthening the Union itself.

"Our place in Europe is not a distant goal, but a reality that we are building every day. Let us seize this moment, united in our shared commitment to a stronger Europe. Let us work together to complete this integration process and ensure that our common future is based on cooperation, vision and trust," said Murtezani.

Polish Ambassador Mariusz Brimora, representing the Polish EU Presidency, said he welcomes the fact that the Government of North Macedonia sets EU accession as a strategic goal.

"On behalf of our Presidency, I once again express our readiness for an accession meeting without any other political features as North Macedonia completes its obligations for constitutional changes. Time is of the essence. We want to move forward, just like you. It is absolutely crucial to use all the opportunities we have today, in order to speed up the accession process, because the current momentum will not last forever. In addition to the constitutional amendments, you need to advance as much as possible in other EU-related reforms," said Brimora.

He welcomed the overall level of readiness of the country, adding that what has been done should be welcomed, and further steps should be seen to implement other reforms quickly, especially in the area of ​​fundamentals and the rule of law. "We have confidence in you and want to support you in your efforts," he said. 

EU Ambassador to North Macedonia, Michalis Rokas, stressed that cooperation with the new European Parliament rapporteur, Thomas Waitz, is already underway, and the Jean Monnet Dialogue is at disposal, including for continuing some of the reforms that have already been started. He stressed that it is important for North Macedonia to maintain the basic values ​​and principles of the EU and to actively demonstrate this in multilateral forums and within the UN.

JPC co-chairs, MP Ivanka Vasilevska and Member of European Parliament (MEP) Karlo Ressler, opened the meeting on Thursday.

Photo: MIA / Ministry of European Affairs