Skopje, 27 September 2024 (MIA) - North Macedonia has been a candidate country since 2005, it received a positive opinion together with Croatia in 2008. Croatia is already a member of the EU, while negotiations are yet to begin with North Macedonia. This is a huge mistake by the EU, I would describe it as a historic mistake, and now it is being doubled since North Macedonia will be placed behind Albania, something that I see no reason for, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Friday in Ohrid.

Orban, whose country currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, put forward the idea of Hungary acting as a mediator to help Skopje and Sofia find a solution for the dispute. He stressed he presented his proposal to Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.

“I have a proposal for the dispute with Bulgaria. We are ready to mediate on this issue. For Hungary to act as a mediator in the dispute between the two countries, to find a solution that will work for both sides,” Orban said at a joint press conference with Mickoski.

The most important topic of today’s meeting with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, said Orban, was the country’s accession into the EU.

“Hungary’s position is well-known. The stability of the Western Balkans and the EU integration are very important. The accession of one country isn’t a problem or a challenge, but a huge opportunity for all countries who are already members of the EU, including Hungary. We all saw that by joining we all achieve a lot of progress, but in the meantime the EU has lost the dynamic and this is why we must secure enlargement and that’s the best way,” Orban said.

According to Orban, the geopolitical factor must be considered, but there must also be respect for the countries who have been working for years to join the EU and are being sidelined.

“This isn’t fair from our side. And that’s why as chair of the presidency of the EU Council, we believe it is very important to keep EU enlargement with the Western Balkans on the agenda, and in line with that we would like to see North Macedonia’s EU accession process accelerate. We are ready to hold an intergovernmental conference, otherwise we’ll move on bilaterally,” Orban said.

The Hungarian PM said the people of the Western Balkans deserve much more and should have become EU members a long time ago.

“Today’s meeting is the 18th meeting that the Prime Minister and I have held and it’s no secret that the party that represents your Prime Minister and our Fidesz are brotherly parties, but we never mix partisan affairs and state affairs, but it is always good for brotherly parties to be in power and jointly exchange their actions,” Orban said.

Orban highlighted the fact that 2024 marks 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and said he invited Mickoski to Hungary, where the next intergovernmental session between the two government will be held.

“In our view, both peoples have long-standing historical traditions and the fight to preserve the national interests and freedom is characteristic for both people all this time. It is important to maintain our ideals and national pride. I believe you will agree that the most important thing for one nation is to preserve its national pride,” Orban said.

Orban stressed that North Macedonia is not only a friendly country to Hungary, but also very significant for the security of Hungary, since it is located on a migrant route. “If there is a need, we are willing to help in all ways,” Orban said.

Mickoski stressed that Orban’s visit is proof of the “excellent and friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries, that are improving with each passing day”.

“The Macedonian and Hungarian people are deeply connected by a deep-rooted friendship and deep respect. Hungary has always supported us, during our difficult times, but also in our efforts for European integration. Today, through concrete initiatives and agreements, this friendship continues to grow stronger, creating solid foundations for our future cooperation. History is a witness to our shared aspiration for peace, prosperity and cooperation,” Mickoski said.

For years back, the political and economic ties between the two countries have been deepening, Mickoski said, adding that today’s meetings affirm the strategic partnership between the two countries.

“Hungary is not only our partner on the European stage, but also an example of how a country can balance its national sovereignty with global integration. Hungary has always been a strong supporter of EU enlargement and our aspirations for full-fledged membership,” Mickoski said.

He said the countries share a vision for an integrated Balkan, with all countries being a part of the European family.

“I believe that with the support of Hungary and other allies, the Balkans will take their rightful place in the EU,” Mickoski said.

Earlier on Friday, Mickoski and Orban had a tête-à-tête meeting, which was followed by a joint session of the two governments. 

Photo: MIA