Skopje, 17 July 2025 (MIA) – EU enlargement is not only about expanding borders, but also about broadening perspectives and shared destinies among citizens. That’s why the country remains committed to promoting social dialogue, empowering civil society, and investing in young people, Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani said Thursday in Brussels.

Delivering remarks at high-level enlargement forum "Building an Inclusive Future in an Enlarged EU: The Role of Social Dialogue, Civil Society and Youth Engagement", Murtezani underscored that the country does not see these efforts as obligations, but rather as principles of a truly inclusive and democratic Europe, where dialogue shapes policy.

“Waiting for 20 years is certainly not easy, especially when for much of that time we were a leader in the European integration process. Still, North Macedonia is the best example of resilience and persistence in achieving our ultimate goal,” Murtezani said.

He added that even after two decades of waiting, public support for EU integration remains at 65 to 70 percent, proving that citizens still firmly believe EU membership is the only alternative.

“The Western Balkans is geographically part of Europe, and I would even say it’s Europe’s backyard, just as important as the front, because we’ve seen in the past how easily it can be used for risky geopolitical experiments,” Murtezani said.

According to him, if citizens do not see tangible results in the accession process, it will become increasingly difficult to maintain or increase their support for membership. That is why it is important to inform them about the benefits of enlargement even before joining.

“One of the lessons we’ve learned in our integration process is that reforms become significantly more sustainable when there is a shared sense of purpose,” Murtezani said.

He added that he views the European Union as a living story that brings hope to younger generations, and that its enlargement is not merely about geography and politics, but also about realizing dreams, common ambitions, and our collective goal.

Murtezani underscored that the role of civil society in the enlargement process is recognized in the country, and that social dialogue is not just a tool for support, but a cornerstone of democracy.

He noted that the Government has built structural partnerships with numerous civil society organizations to ensure the accession process is more transparent and inclusive, and that many NGOs are involved in the Monitoring Committee for the implementation of the Growth Plan.

“The Government has recently adopted a dedicated strategy for cooperation and development, aiming to show that civil society is built on inclusiveness, accountability, and openness. The strategy’s vision is clear: a professional, independent civil sector that acts as a full partner in policymaking and represents both the aspirations and interests of citizens,” Murtezani noted.

Murtezani thanked the organizer of the event, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and in particular its President, Oliver Röpke, for being the first EU institution to include candidate countries, a key step in their gradual integration into the Union.

Photo: MIA archive