Skopje, 26 January 2026 (MIA) - The Ambassador of Cyprus to North Macedonia, Andreas Photiou, presented Monday his country's priorities during its six-month EU Presidency at a joint session of the National Euro-Integration Council and the Parliament's Committee on European Affairs, saying Nicosia will remain committed to regular and open dialogue with the Western Balkans, while North Macedonia remains part of the EU enlargement process.

Ambassador Photiou said the Cypriot Presidency's motto "An Autonomous Union. Open to the World." means that the European Union must be autonomous, because a more autonomous Union will demonstrate the necessary internal strength to cooperate with external partners whenever possible, while also acting independently when necessary.

The Cypriot Ambassador noted that the Western Balkans remains strategically important for the EU, whereas the Union's involvement in North Macedonia will continue with a credible policy based on merits.

"The Cypriot Presidency dedicates attention to a regular and open dialogue with the Western Balkans, while North Macedonia remains part of the Union enlargement process. Cyprus acknowledges North Macedonia's engagement in the enhancement of reforms and alignment with European standards, and encourages the country's continued efforts in this regard," said Photiou.

The Ambassador presented the Presidency's five pillars - autonomy through security and defense, autonomy through competitiveness, openness to the world, shared values, and negotiations for the next EU financial framework.

"Amid a complex geopolitical landscape, the EU must be capable of forecasting and preventing, as well as efficiently responding to crises. The Presidency will support the efforts for a defense and security readiness of the Union and improvement of cooperation in time of crises," said Photiou.

Minister of European Affairs Bekim Sali said the country's European integration is neither an administrative process nor a technical agenda, but a civilizational commitment that enjoys societal support.

"European integration is a clear orientation that unifies the ruling authorities and the opposition, institutions and citizens. Amid geopolitical turmoil, the enlargement policy is not an option but a necessity, it is an investment into a stable and autonomous EU. In this framework, North Macedonia is part of the solution," said Minister Sali.

He added that the country has continually demonstrated it is a credible and responsible partner with the EU.

"Our full alignment with the Union's foreign and security policy is a clear political message, not a formality. We have demonstrated our capability as equals with European allies," said Sali.

According to him, the accession process is not easy and the country does not treat reforms as a task imposed from outside but as an internal issue.

"This is our conscious political choice towards strengthening the state and its institutional capacities. We turn every finding of the screening into a clear and public policy, a solution aligned with European standards. The fight against organized crime and corruption must be more sustainable, we have to demonstrate that the state can deliver results not only promises," said Sali.

On the Cypriot Presidency, the Minister said its motto opens a debate on EU's future.

"For us, enlargement is an indispensable part of this vision. Europe cannot be whole if the Western Balkans remains on its sidelines. North Macedonia is ready to close this European political gap and become part of these treaties. That is why today's message is clear - North Macedonia is ready and this is a moment of political maturity for both the country and the EU, a moment that cannot be missed," underlined Sali.

Photo: MIA