Ljubljana, 18 May 2026 (MIA) - Slovenia remains a firm supporter of North Macedonia’s European integration, and will continue to actively strive for an acceleration of the EU accession process of the Western Balkan countries, said Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar after a meeting Monday with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, who is paying an official visit to Ljubljana.

At a joint press conference in the Slovenian capital, Pirc Musar told journalists that Slovenia is an initiator and one of 15 member states that propose the opening of individual negotiating chapters with the candidate countries to require a qualified majority, while the final decision for EU membership would continue being subject to consensus between the member states.

Pirc Musar said the aspirants for membership have to accomplish an enormous task to adapt to the legislation of the European Union.

“We are imposing an enormous burden to the candidate states when it comes to harmonization with European legislation. When Slovenia joined the EU in 2004, we needed to harmonize around 80.000 pages of European legislation, while today, candidate countries must harmonize around 95.000 pages. At the same time, we talk too little about what the European Union can do to ensure the process is faster and more efficient,” Pirc Musar said.

The Slovenian President stressed that the current model makes it possible for bilateral issues and political blockades to obstruct the enlargement process.

“Today North Macedonia is in a situation where because of one member state it cannot open a single chapter. This is simply not right and not fair to a country that wants to become a part of the European Union,” Pirc Musar stressed.

She said Slovenia would continue working within the group of member states striving for a qualified majority vote for the opening of chapters and expressed hope that the EU will recognize the need for a more efficient enlargement process.

According to Pirc Musar, the European integration of the Western Balkans is key for peace and stability in the region, but also the stability of the European Union itself.

“The European Union is above all a peace project. New members bring stability and peace to the region. For the Western Balkans, EU membership must be the only real path to stability,” the Slovenian President said.

At the joint press conference, President Siljanovska-Davkova welcomed Slovenia’s support for the country’s Euro-integration and assessed that regional solidarity is necessary for faster progress of the Western Balkan countries on their EU path.

“If we are not ready to understand our regional neighbor and back them, then how can we expect understanding and support in Brussels? I think this is logical and natural,” Siljanovska-Davkova said.  

Photo: President Siljanovska-Davkova's Facebook page