Skopje, 28 May 2025 (MIA) – There is no other way to preserve our peace, security and prosperity except by connecting all points across Europe, said EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas Wednesday at the panel discussion “Shaping the Future - EU Integration as Path Forward for North Macedonia,” organised by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the European Movement in the country and the Wilfred Martens Centre for European Studies to mark Europe Day.

Rokas spoke about the great importance of the European Union enlargement, particularly in context of the need for greater unity in Europe following Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.

“Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has created completely new perspectives, many things have been called into question as peace, security and stability. Earlier, we faced the Covid pandemic, which challenged our procurement systems and partnerships and the question of enlargement is at the forefront. There is no other way to preserve our peace, security, and prosperity except by connecting all points, filling all the gaps, and adopting a truly creative approach,” Rokas said.

He noted that the visits of the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, to the country are proof of the Union’s commitment to our European integration. He emphasized that both Costa and Kallas have boldly stated that the country belongs to the European family and added that there is strong political will in Brussels to advance the integration process.

Rokas stated that despite all the obstacles, there is strong support in the country for the EU integration process, adding that there is no doubt that young people really want to move forward and be part of the EU. He stressed that both sides need to invest in achieving this goal. He also mentioned the Reform Agenda and the benefits it brings to the country, emphasizing that all efforts must be made to implement the reforms while also addressing other sensitive issues.

“We, as European institutions, together with authorities, need to establish a true perspective from all aspects and with all stakeholders. This is truly happening through the Reform Agenda, which is confirmation that there will be gradual integration of the country into the European market. This is not an alternative to EU accession, of course, but it is essential that all these reforms are implemented, while other sensitive issues will continue to be addressed,” EU Ambassador Rokas said.

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