Skopje, 27 February 2026 (MIA) - The Macedonian case in terms of European integration is a particular one, because the country has often made major concessions, delivered visible reforms, and yet the deserved start of its EU negotiations remains on hold. However, our focus continues to be on fulfilling the goals that we, together with the European Commission, have included in the Reform Agenda, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Antonijo Miloshoski said in his address to the 12th Conference of Speakers of Parliaments from Southeast European (SEE) countries and the Visegrád Group countries, taking place in Budapest on Friday.

Miloshoski pointed out that the country's complete alignment with the EU's common foreign and security policy is another indicator of shared common values.

"That is why I have two messages today. The first is gratitude to Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia for their ongoing support for Macedonia. And the second, to the EU representatives - be certain that the integration of all Western Balkan countries will be of mutual benefit to all, making Europe itself a stronger actor on a global level. Now is the right time for a new strategic approach to the enlargement of the European Union," said Miloshoski. 

Earlier on Friday, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Miloshoski met with the President of the Senate of the Czech Republic Miloš Vystrčil and the two concurred that promoting cooperation between the Visegrád Group countries and the Western Balkan countries is a mutually beneficial process in leveraging economic potential, as well as in better aligning positions regarding global challenges for Europe.  

The Conference of Speakers of Parliaments of Southeast European (SEE) Countries, organised by the National Assembly of Hungary, is a traditional inter-parliamentary forum that has been organised since 2004/2005 and represents an important platform for political dialogue and parliamentary cooperation among Southeast European countries.  

The focus of the conference is on regional cooperation, European integration and joint efforts to address current political, economic and security challenges in the region.

The central theme of the first session will be “The State of Enlargement in Southeast Europe,” while the second session will focus on “Economic Investment and Energy Connectivity – Challenges and Opportunities in the Region.”

The conference will include speeches by senior officials from the host country, as well as representatives of the European Union and international organisations, followed by discussions and presentations by participants. The event will conclude with the adoption of a joint parliamentary declaration, along with bilateral meetings between delegations. 

Photo: Parliament