Skopje, 6 June 2026 (MIA) – SDSM leader Venko Filipche told a press conference as part of the Skopje Initiative international conference on Saturday that the European integration process is entering a crucial phase the country cannot afford to miss.

Commenting on the messages from the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Filipche pointed out that the summit had sent a clear signal that the Western Balkans belong to the European Union and new, facilitated mechanisms towards membership are being opened for the first time, SDSM said in a press release. 

According to him, the "open door" opportunity must be seized without delay, because it is about the country's future and the living standards of the citizens.

"Let's not miss the chance because it is about the country's future, the well-being and quality of life of the citizens who live here, who have been waiting for this moment for decades," Filipche stressed. 

He mentioned previous experience in the European integration process, noting that the country has already faced blockades and disappointments.

"We have faced many disappointments in the past. There was also disappointment from the European Union, such as France's veto a few years ago when we all expected the start of negotiations, but that did not happen. But now a step needs to be taken and negotiations and the opening of chapters should begin," Filipche said.

He added that the future of the entire region is in the European Union, noting that the European perspective must be achieved jointly.

"The future of the European Union is the inclusion of the Western Balkans and the inclusion of the Republic of North Macedonia as full-fledged members. Also, the future of North Macedonia is in the European Union and the future of the entire region is in the European Union. These two processes must go hand in hand and ultimately unite the entire continent," Filipche added.

Photo: SDSM