Skopje, 23 May 2025 (MIA) - The European Union stands firmly with North Macedonia on its EU path, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, told a joint press conference with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski in Skopje on Friday. 

The EU foreign policy chief noted that the two had a meeting on a broad range of topics, pointing out that North Macedonia is the first beneficiary in the region of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, and the first country in the region to sign a Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union. She said the two also discussed among other how well the Macedonian economy is doing, noting that the Union also benefits from that. 

"This partnership boosts joint work on Ukraine, hybrid threats and counterterrorism, and it shows that gradual integration is working in practice. But we both want more, that is very clear. North Macedonia belongs to the European Union. You have a strong track record of aligning with the European common security and foreign policy, and this is very important to us, especially in these very turbulent times when we see major geopolitical shifts happening in the world," said Kallas.  

She commended the strong efforts made by the Government on the reform agenda.

"But, you know better than anybody that the road to membership is not easy, so my message today is to stay on the course and to take next steps necessary towards the opening of the negotiations. It will also mean that the European Union will give North Macedonia even more support, be it in strengthening the rule of law, fighting corruption or modernizing North Macedonia's public administration," Kallas pointed out. 

We know from experience that the progress can be fast if there is political will, she said, adding that Albania and Montenegro are good examples of this.

"North Macedonia faces era defining choices for its citizens and its future. We believe that the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union is the best recipe for peace and security in the whole region. So, let us move together forward and I assure you that the European Union stands firmly by your side," Kallas said. 

Photo: print screen