Skopje, 16 June 2026 (MIA) – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Zoran Dimittriovski took part in the European Union’s General Affairs Council (GAC) in Luxembourg. The meeting, dedicated to the European Democracy Shield initiative, was organized by Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the EU and the European Commission, his office said Tuesday.

The discussion brought together ministers from candidate countries and potential candidates for EU membership. Ways to strengthen cooperation as part of the European Democracy Shield initiative and benefits from joint activities aimed at strengthening democratic resilience were discussed. 

Discussions also focused on issues related to protection of the integrity of the information space, strengthening of democratic institutions, free and fair elections, independent media and advancement of social resilience and civic participation.

In his speech, Dimitrovski welcomed the initiative establishing “European Democracy Shield” and the European Center for Democratic Resilience saying they are considered a key step in strengthening democratic institutions, protecting election processes and tackling foreign influence and hybrid threats. 

Manipulation and foreign influence in information space, he said, are considered one of the most serious threats to democratic security having the potential to create polarisation, disturb trust in the institutions and undermine democratic processes, especially elections. 

The Republic of North Macedonia as EU membership candidate country and NATO member, Dimitrovski said, is being increasingly exposed to disinformation campaigns, cyber threats and coordinated operations for influence, which has prompted the country to take concrete measures to enhance its resilience. He also noted all the measures and efforts made by the government in this regard. 

“Recently, we have been faced with heightened and serious disinformation and hybrid activities, launched by structures and media platforms connected to our eastern neighbour that aim to undermine the trust in institutions, undermine our identity and create division in the society,” stressed the deputy minister. We, Dimitrovski noted, remain strongly committed to good neighbourly ties, mutual respect and constructive dialogue in the spirit of European values and our joint European future.

He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to contributing to joint European efforts curbing foreign meddling and hybrid threats in line with democratic values, human rights, freedom of expression and rule of law. 

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade