Warsaw, 8 May 2025 (MIA) - Within the European Union, we see a renewed spirit focused on the enlargement process, but what we need to see in practice is closing of the gap that clearly exists at this moment between the expectations created and their fulfilment, Macedonian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, said in Warsaw on Thursday. 

"What I can say, representing my country, is that we will be committed to reforms, we will be committed to alignment with the EU acquis, we will be committed to the Reform Agenda that is an integral part of the Growth Plan, but ultimately, we expect Brussels, as well as the member states, to deliver on the very clear promise that was made to the Western Balkans many, many years ago," Mucunski said arriving at an informal meeting of foreign ministers of EU countries and candidate countries as well as potential candidates for joining the bloc, taking place in Warsaw. 

Mucinski stressed that commitment to the enlargement process is needed in practice, noting however that bilateralization of the accession process of the Western Balkan countries by many EU member states should also finally end.

"We are increasingly hearing about a clear perspective, from both the new Commission and the member states, but now is the time not only for words, but also for implementation," Mucinski pointed out.

He noted that this year marks a sobering anniversary for the country - 20 years of being a candidate country, which means that 20 years have passed, and the country has not yet started accession negotiations.

"If anyone has been treated, I would say, unfairly and with double standards, it is the country that I represent here today," said Mucunski.

According to him, in the current geopolitical moment, it is important for the EU candidate countries to work together with the member states in creating coherent and strategic perspectives on the challenges they face.

"I believe it is extremely important to mention that I represent a candidate country that is 100 percent aligned with the common foreign and security policy and I believe that the decisions we make are common decisions, as are the challenges we face," Mucunski said.

He expressed satisfaction with the organization of today's meeting and expressed hope that the practice of such meetings will continue in the future.

The ministers at a working lunch held as part of the informal session of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) will discuss the challenges facing the European foreign and security policy with an accent on building resilience to hybrid threats. 

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