Skopje, 22 October 2025 (MIA) - I have said on many occasions that we must win at home because the domestic tasks are most important, but we must also win in London, Brussels, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Washington and other capitals. We will fight to defend the interests of Macedonia and its citizens. The country's future lies in the EU, this is our final strategic objectives. We will do everything in our power to accomplish this strategic goal, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said on Wednesday.

PM Mickoski said he is an optimist after the many meetings he had during the Western Balkans Summit within the Berlin Process, while adding it is important that the country does it homework - reforms.

"We will do this in the coming period. I expect progress regarding the unblocking of the problem we have, but we'll see. We said our goal is to protect our national dignity, identity and interests. Of course, their message is that we belong to the EU, as does the entire Western Balkans. German Chancellor (Friedrich) Merz had an inspiring speech on where he sees the region and plans for the future related to the EU integration, although I cannot share details because it was a closed session," said Mickoski.

The PM added that he had many meetings during the day that focused on various topics.

"Discussions tackled the fields of economy, security and Macedonia's EU integration, as was the case with the Berlin Process Summit but with an additional topic - illegal migration. It was an inspiring day that started with a meeting with France’s Minister Delegate for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, a close associate of President (Emmanuel) Macron, at which we reiterated that the EU must provide guarantees when it comes to our eastern neighbor's observance of international law, respect for institutions such as the European Court of Human Rights, integration of the Macedonian community in the country's Council for Ethnic and Integration Issues etc," said Mickoski.

These are not additional conditions, he added, but signify partnership and goodneighborly relations.

"On security, we highlighted the aspect of energy security and building gas interconnectors, such as the ones with Greece and Serbia. Then Corridors VIII and X, which are important for us and Europe as well, because they connect the Ionian and the Adriatic seas with the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean with the Aegean Sea," said Mickoski.

Regarding migration, the PM said the country's position is absolutely clear.

"We are practically defending Europe from Europe, because migrants are illegally entering our country from EU member-states. I told (United Kingdom) PM Keir Starmer during our bilateral meeting that British expertise would be welcome, even police officers and army troops, to protect our southern and eastern border from illegal migration, thus protecting Europe," explained Mickoski.

Mickoski said it was an honor to be part of an event that focused on developments in the Western Balkans and "was exceptionally successful".

Photo: Government