Skopje, 3 July 2025 (MIA) - Amid heightened geopolitical tensions, joining the European Union is not merely a political choice but a strategic necessity for strengthening the European security architecture, assessed Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani and Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, during a meeting Thursday in Dublin.

According to the Ministry of European Affairs, Murtezani and Byrne concluded that obstructing the integration process undermines the stability of the continent, noting that sustainable and predictable integration of the candidate states is of mutual interest. The ministers agreed that enlargement must remain among the Union’s key priorities, and that a stable and united Europe is the best response to the challenges faced by the Western Balkans and the EU.

The meeting also discussed the improvement of bilateral relations and institutional cooperation between North Macedonia and Ireland, with a focus on the European integration, reforms and regional stability.

Murtezani and Byrne also discussed the country’s European perspective and the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026 as an opportunity for further strengthening of cooperation with the Western Balkan countries.

Murtezani expressed gratitude for Ireland’s firm and consistent support for North Macedonia, especially for its principled and vocal stance on "the de-bilateralization” of the EU integration process by rejecting bilateral conditions and advocating for accession based solely on fulfilled criteria and merit as a foundation for preserving the Union’s credibility and integrity. He also welcomed Ireland’s commitment to its active role in advancing the EU integration process ahead of its Presidency, particularly through the preparation of the first Irish Strategy for the Western Balkans.

“In light of the ongoing preparations of this document as Ireland’s national strategy, which aims to establish a framework for a more systemic and deeper cooperation with countries from our region, Minister Byrne assessed that Minister Murtezani’s timely visit represents a valuable contribution to the Strategy’s development, as well as to the advancement of political dialogue and cooperation in the area of European integration. Byrne and Murtezani also discussed the opportunities this document will create for increased Irish diplomatic presence in the region, more intensive bilateral political contacts, support for North Macedonia’s reform agenda, and cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and economy. They also touched on regional stability and the EU’s enlargement policy, which are core priorities for Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU and will be reflected in the Strategy for the Western Balkans,” the Ministry said.

Minister Murtezani also stressed that the Government of North Macedonia is interested in initiatives that will support closer alignment with the Single European Market, the implementation of EU reforms, and better utilization of IPA funds. In this context, the two ministers discussed possibilities for institutional partnership and the transfer of Irish experience and expertise, including through technical assistance and public administration training in cooperation with the Irish Institute of Public Administration and other relevant institutions.

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs