Skopje, 18 June 2025 (MIA) – Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre said Wednesday that enlargement will be in the focus on Denmark’s presidency with the Council of the EU, which starts July 1, adding that current geopolitical developments have put this process to the forefront and that her country will do everything to boost the country’s EU integration path. She, however, noted that joint efforts are needed to see whether progress can be made.

Asked at a news conference in Skopje alongside Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani what Denmark would do as a future EU presidency holder regarding Macedonia’s EU integration having in mind the dispute with Bulgaria and the initiative of the European Council President to organize a meeting of Macedonian and Bulgarian top officials on the sidelines of the NATO Summit – which is yet to be confirmed – she fell short of giving a precise answer noting the country should seize the enlargement momentum.

“The enlargement momentum is absolutely here, we are witnessing it. Progress was made for both Ukraine and Moldova and now with Albania, we’re opening two new clusters. There is also progress with Montenegro, which was stalled for a long time. The momentum is here, please seize it. Ahead of our EU presidency, I have to say we cannot push this on our own, we’re here to work with you, with North Macedonia, to see where we can make progress together, in which parts,” said the Danish minister noting it is evident the country has made huge progress on its EU membership path.

Speaking at the joint news conference, Bjerre said the reason for her visit is the coming EU presidency of her country, which is to be taken over by Denmark on July 1, adding that she and Murtezani discussed current political issues.

Given the current geopolitical developments, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and “the new winds blowing from the US”, Bjerre said, Europe should be a strong geopolitical stakeholder and the enlargement process, according to her, is key to defend itself amid the current circumstance.

“A bigger Europe will be a stronger Europe. That’s why we try to maintain the enlargement process. We’re aware that North Macedonia has been a candidate country for almost 20 years, so now’s the time to seize this step again. We’re aware there has been an enlargement fatigue, which occurred in my country and yours. That’s why we want to work again on enlargement, to work with Ukraine and with Moldova, as well as with the Western Balkan countries. I believe it will be beneficial for these countries, and beneficial for them and for your country and for Europe as well,” stated Minister Bjerre.

Europe will be stronger together with this country and with others in the region, she said, adding that there’s a new progress in the enlargement process. “Which is why I’m here in Skopje to give support to the country.”

“The progress, of course, should be based on implemented reforms, on the commitments you should honor. We’re here to help and we hope that throughout our presidency, we can work together because we want to pave North Macedonia’s path to the EU,” stressed Bjerre.

Photo: MIA