Skopje, 24 April 2025 (MIA) - The Ambassadors of Finland, Sweden and Austria, Niklas Lindqvist, Ami Larsson Jain and Martin Pammer, respectively, said Thursday it is most important for North Macedonia to implement all the necessary reforms and remain on the European integration path. As regards the bilateral issue with Bulgaria, the Swedish Ambassador believes it is a decision to be made by the authorities of North Macedonia, while the Austrian Ambassador said the challenge can be overcome by implementing the so-called compromise by the EU reached in 2022 and good will is necessary in finding a solution.

Lindqvist, Larsson Jain and Pammer took part in Thursday's panel discussion at the Europe House Skopje, speaking about the benefits of EU membership, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Austria, Finland and Sweden joining the European Union.   

Commenting on North Macedonia being praised for the Reform Agenda, but stuck with the issue with Bulgaria on the other hand, Lindqvist said it is important for North Macedonia to continue negotiations with the EU on these issues.

"From my point of view, the most important thing is that you can benefit the most from the EU Growth Plan, because I believe it is precisely the Growth Plan and the Reform Agenda that can show the greatest results that are part of the negotiating process with the EU, and through these two things you can show citizens what the greatest benefits of EU membership are," said Lindqvist. 

According to him, it is always very important to have dialogue with any country and to have open discussion when talking about EU membership itself.

"In this context, I want to point out that your country's negotiations are conducted with the EU, and not with any neighbouring country," Lindqvist said.

The Swedish Ambassador stressed that the implementation of the reforms will shorten the country's path to EU negotiations.

"The reforms will really help the country to get closer to the EU, and also shorten the country's path to join the EU. For example, if it took Sweden four years to negotiate and to implement all the necessary reforms to join the EU, with this Reform Agenda I believe your country will need a much shorter time. So, this is really very good news. Also, what I can say is that as far as other political issues are concerned, especially the bilateral dispute, I believe it is a decision to be made by the authorities of North Macedonia, so it is your decision," said Larsson Jain.  

She noted that Sweden has a program to support the country, and over EUR 10 million are implemented, invested in the country annually in order to help it become an EU member state as soon as possible, but also to enable progress in implementing the reforms.

Asked whether the country will be able to meet the 2030 target for EU membership if it doesn't start negotiations in the next year or year and a half, and whether Austria is mediating in finding a solution in the issue with Bulgaria, the Austrian Ambassador said it is less important to talk about concrete dates, but major achievements in the context of reforms.

"I believe it is less important to talk about concrete dates and more important to talk about major achievements in the context of the reforms that are required from your country. Almost all member states support your membership in the EU, some more, some less, but I believe the most important thing is that we can all help the country to overcome all issues as soon as possible so as to join the EU. I believe that this challenge that is facing your country can also be overcome by implementing the so-called compromise by the EU reached in 2022, so I think good will is necessary in finding a solution," said Pammer. 

Speaking about the benefits of 30 years of EU membership, the Ambassadors highlighted the economic benefits, as well as achievements in the area of ​​the EU's Four Freedoms - free movement of goods, capital, services and labour.

They told the Macedonian authorities it is most important that the country remains on the European integration path, of which it is already a part.

"For a small country like North Macedonia, EU membership is the only path and the only option. The first thing to emphasize is implementing all the necessary reforms in your country, which are not related to just one issue," Pammer added. 

The European Union's Deputy Head of Mission to North Macedonia, Ben Nupnau, said the membership of these three countries has enabled acquiring greater experience in sustainable agriculture, forestry and sustainable development, environmental protection, tackling climate change, innovation, and education.

Photo: MIA