Skopje, 29 June 2026 (MIA) - Macedonia is ready to continue on the European path but expects clear guarantees that the process will not see new blockades and will have increased predictability, said Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski on Monday.

FM Mucunski told reporters at the joint press conference with visiting Lithuanian counterpart Kęstutis Budrys there is broad support from EU members for Macedonia's accession progress but pointed to the need for clear assurances over the course of the integration path.

"What type of assurances or guarantees can our country get that we would not face permanent blockades by one member? Because what is obvious is there are various interpretations coming from 26 members, European institutions, and one other member-state when it comes to the so-called 2022 consensus. I, the President, the Prime Minister, we have all said that we are willing to take part in this process, and there is an energy to move forward, especially after the Tivat summit. But we will not allow for this risk to materialize - we make those moves and then again have these talks, these press conferences in which we speak about one member-state's failure to act reliably," said Mucunski.

The FM said the dialogue with Bulgaria should continue with the support of members and European institutions, in order to reach a solution that ensures a predictable and secure European path for the country, based on merits, not bilateral issues.

"We are not gullible and naive to think that Bulgaria will suddenly change its position that is rather aggressive and radical. That is why we should use the coming period to find a way, on a diplomatic level, to lower tensions and resume discussions based on values and principles and the need for the enlargement policy to be based on merits and not subjective bilateral issues," said Mucunski.

On the diplomatic note related to the family of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, he expects an investigation "where they see fit."

"We are closing the topic from an official standpoint, and we expect a proper response on their part. According to me, it is not in the spirit of goodneighborly relations and friendship to say this is an old piece of information. This is not a good approach when challenging diplomatic correspondence," said Mucunski.

Photo: MIA