Skopje, 1 July 2025 (MIA) - Trust is the foundation of the integration process, and reforms must bring tangible benefits for citizens, stressed speakers at the conference “Bridging the Trust Gap to Advance Western Balkans Integration into the EU” held Tuesday in Skopje.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, described the European integration initiative as a historic opportunity that demands mutual trust and the clear implementation of reforms.

“Reforms must be rewarded with visible, timely benefits. Otherwise, a lack of delivery from one side to the other leads to erosion of trust. The Growth Plan and the reform agenda are essential parts of the story that will show citizens that good governance truly works,” Mucunski said.

The Minister commented on the statement by EU Enlargement Commission Marta Kos who, he said, spoke about “reunification” of the Western Balkan.

“I disagree with the term ‘reunification,’ because the Western Balkans have never been unified. But I fully agree with her message that unifying the region with the European Union without prejudice is the right thing to do. At the end of the day, it shouldn’t be seen as an act of mercy. It’s an investment, a step toward peace, security, and economic strength, for the region and for the Union itself,” he said.

Maida Gorčević, Montenegro’s Minister of European Affairs, emphasized the importance of “visible benefits” for the citizens.

“On Friday we closed Chapter 5 - Public Procurement, but how do we explain what benefit that brings to citizens? If we have a Growth Plan, if there’s money on the table, if there are regional initiatives, then it becomes easier. That brings concrete results,” Gorčević said.

Marko Makovec, Head of Cabinet for Commissioner Kos, stressed that the process requires technical work.

“These processes build trust. There's a strong focus on the necessary reforms, and I think that’s very important. It takes time and technical effort,” Makovec said.

Simonida Kacarska from the European Policy Institute welcomed the increase in funds but stressed the need for institutional capacity.

“Increased funding is welcome, but the other key aspect is building institutional capacity to manage large projects. From this perspective, the Growth Plan is welcome,” she said.

Speakers agreed that the integration process must be seen as a shared responsibility – not only of the candidate countries, but of the European Union itself. 

Photo: MIA