Brussels, 19 November 2024 (MIA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski and the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, signed Tuesday in Brussels a Security and Defence Partnership between the Republic of North Macedonia and the European Union.

“I am proud to announce that we are the first country in the Western Balkans to sign the Security and Defence Partnership, a robust new framework for dialogue and cooperation on critical security and defence issues. This partnership symbolizes our shared commitment to upholding peace, stability and security in our region and beyond,” said Foreign Minister Mucunski at the signing ceremony.  

According to the Foreign Minister, the partnership underscores the strong and evolving relationship between the country and the European Union built on mutual trust, shared values and a common vision for a safer and more prosperous future

“Through this agreement together with the European Union we will work hand in hand to address modern security challenges including cyber threats, hybrid warfare and the resilience of critical infrastructure,” said Mucunski.  

The FM said the country aims to safeguard its citizens, enhance its national security and contribute to the collective defence of Europe by strengthening its collaboration with the EU. 

“This partnership also reflects our continued alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and our steadfast dedication to European integration. It highlights the progress that we have made as a nation in fortifying our democratic institutions, modernizing our defence capabilities and demonstrating a readiness to support regional and global security efforts,” Mucunski said.  

He expressed gratitude to the EU for “their trust and commitment” to the partnership, stressing that it represents an important joint step towards a stronger, more united Europe prepared to address the present challenges.

“As Foreign Minister allow me to reaffirm my nation’s dedication to deepening this partnership and advancing our shared goals of peace, security and cooperation,” Mucunski added.  

High Representative Borrell said the partnership marks a milestone in the EU’s strategic cooperation with North Macedonia and the Western Balkans as a whole.

“This is not just a declaration – it is a tangible step forward to a safer and more integrated Europe. We know what it does mean, these days, a safer Europe. This agreement underscores our shared commitment to advance our cooperation and move towards a gradual integration of North Macedonia even before it is a full member of the European Union. What we would call step-by-step, sequential, progressive integration,” Borrell said.  

The High Representative noted that North Macedonia is fully aligned with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy which, he said, is “a powerful demonstration of shared values and dedication to a common European future”. He also highlighted the country’s contributions to the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy missions and operations, such as the EUFOR Althea operation, adding that they constitute a clear sign of the country’s engagement towards the EU in security and defence. 

“The European Union is recognising the value of your cooperation with us. We are providing our resources through the European Peace Facility in order to increase the equipment of your armed forces with non-lethal equipment. I firmly underline the European Union’s commitment to continue supporting the Western Balkans in the area of Common Foreign and Security Policy, to provide additional support to North Macedonia, and to take forward its future in the European Union,” said Borrell at the signing ceremony. 

The Security and Defence Partnership is expected to ensure a joint tackling of security challenges, such as hybrid threats; bolster cybersecurity and the fight against terrorism; explore opportunities for cooperation in the external dimension of integrated border management, implementation of missions and operations, and other areas of security and defence.   

“The Partnership establishes a platform for enhanced dialogue and cooperation on security and defence issues, reflecting the determination of both Parties to work together to address shared security challenges in an increasingly complex global environment,” the European External Action Service (EEAS) said in a press release. 

The press release noted that “the ongoing, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine highlights the critical importance of unity and close cooperation within the EU and with its closest partners”. 

“North Macedonia is a candidate to join the European Union and an important and valuable partner for the EU in the areas of security and defence. As such, it is also an active third state participant in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP),” it added. 

According to the EEAS, the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership will benefit citizens in both EU and North Macedonia by promoting peace, stability and security. “The areas identified for collaboration in the Security and Defence Partnership will be regularly reviewed to track progress and ensure the Partnership remains robust and best addresses evolving challenges”, it said. 

In the press release the EEAS also assessed the September 2024 decision of the EU to provide €13 million support under the European Peace Facility to the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia as an important milestone in the security and defence cooperation between the two parties, noting that it reflects “the EU's appreciation for North Macedonia’s full alignment with the Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy, which is a very clear expression of North Macedonia’s strategic choice for a future within the EU”.  

“The EU and North Macedonia stand united in their determination to deepen their cooperation in addressing pressing issues related to security and defence, and explore new avenues for joint action. This partnership represents a significant step forward in their shared commitment to a safer and more resilient Europe,” the EEAS stressed. 

North Macedonia is the first Western Balkan country to sign a Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union. In the coming period the EU is expected to sign a similar agreement with Albania, following agreements with Japan, South Korea, Canada, Norway and Moldova. 

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