Skopje, 2 October 2025 (MIA) - I hope we won’t see too many bilateral issues that could obstruct the EU enlargement process in the future. We encourage North Macedonia to move forward toward opening the first cluster as soon as possible, as well as to adopt the agreed constitutional amendments, said Finnish Minister for European Affairs Joakim Strand at a joint press conference Thursday with Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani.

Strand stressed that Finland is encouraging the country as well as other Western Balkan countries to seize the current moment and reiterated that such bilateral issues obstructing the accession process won’t be repeated.

“This is a country at the heart of Europe and its place is in the EU. All countries have their own history. Even now, we could find hundreds of problems in the EU member states. So I hope that this issue will be resolved positively and that we will be able to continue forward,” Strand said.

He welcomed the country’s progress in economic growth and the implementation of the Reform Agenda, stressing that the country is a leader when it comes to receiving financing from the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

“We are encouraging North Macedonia to continue delivering the necessary reforms, especially in the rule of law and the fight against corruption. I would like to thank North Macedonia for its good results and its alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy in today’s geopolitical context, this is immensely appreciated,” Strand said. 

The Finnish Minister underscored that unity should be strengthened in the current security situation in Europe, and the country should work even harder to integrate economically within Europe. “An enlarged European Union will strengthen our security and make our economies more resilient and bring prosperity to the citizens,” the Minister said.

Asked what would happen if the country’s accession doesn’t move forward in the next year, Strand said the fact Albania and Montenegro are moving faster is seen as a positive moment for the entire Western Balkans.

“If you continue working with the ambition you have and the results provided by Mr. Murtezani, I don’t have any concerns that you will fall behind, in fact I think you will accelerate and get closer to these two countries,” Strand said.

On the issue of reforms, especially on the environment, Strand said there are many things that have to be done when the various clusters, areas, and sectors are assessed. 

“But when it comes to the environment, not a single country can be fully prepared when it becomes a member state of the EU. There should be enough progress but even more tools need to be implemented and things to be done after membership that are related to the environment. I come from a country that places a significant emphasis on green technologies, the transition, and I know there are many companies in Finland that are ready to help you draft solutions for waste management, water management, energy efficiency, renewable sources of energy. That’s why I think we should make as much progress as possible so that we can continue working further when you become a member,” Strand said.

According to Strand, the fight against corruption and the rule of law are much more important topics, but, of course, he said, issues related to the environment should be emphasized as well.

Photo: MIA