Skopje, 7 May 2025 (MIA) - The Copenhagen criteria will make us a standard, boring European country, and veto is not a friendly tool. I expect understanding and in the meantime, we must implement our national agenda, develop from an economical and cultural standpoint, President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova told a joint press conference with Croatian counterpart Zoran Milanović, who is paying an official to North Macedonia on Wednesday.

President Siljanovska Davkova said the relations with Croatia are traditionally friendly and moving forward in all fields, noting it would never be forgotten that North Macedonia made the step forward with Albania during Croatia's EU Presidency back in 2020.

"Despite being a member of the EU, Croatia understands the Western Balkans' needs. On many occasions, the President (Zoran Milanović) has reiterated that we are geographically, culturally and historically part of Europe. On our EU wait, let me repeat my belief that the Copenhagen criteria are the ones that will make us a standard, boring European country, that veto is not a friendly tool, that I expect to see understanding. Of course, we must implement our national agenda, because the legitimacy stems from the citizens, and we must develop from an economical, cultural and scientific standpoint," said Siljanovska Davkova.

The President added that the country is very advanced regarding the alignment with the EU Acquis, while noting that its problems are of different nature.

"Our problems are of different nature, our problems are tied to history, perception about culture, even our language, something that is non-negotiable. I think the veto will continue to cause problems and we will continue to find our place within the Copenhagen criteria," said Siljanovska Davkova and added the importance of goodneighborly relations.

President Milanović said he has not come to give advice but stressed that the country should not be extorted in exchange for EU membership.

"You get a lot of advice, from your neighbors, from the international community, from the EU. Not all advice is smart or useful for you. You are the ones who decide what is important for you, just don't be a victim of some extortion when it comes to EU membership," said Milanović.

Photo: MIA