Skopje, 14 May 2026 (MIA) – Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski called on the opposition to take a responsible approach to the reform agenda, contribute to the European future and put aside daily politics. He said a historically high allocation of funds for the country within the Growth Plan is expected in the coming period.

"European integration cannot be successful without serious commitment, without responsibility and without a minimum of national consensus on the most important state issues. This is not a process of one government and one political party, this is a process that determines the country's future. For the Reform Agenda, we need a political dialogue based on arguments, institutions and mutual respect, not daily political confrontations that undermine trust in the process," Muciunski told a press conference at the Government.

According to him, the reform agenda calls for functional institutions, the rule of law, an independent judiciary, a state aligned with European standards, but it also calls for a sense of responsibility towards the country.

"That is why today we want to clearly call on the opposition to put daily politics aside when it comes to the European future, and show maturity and constructiveness regarding the reforms that are crucial for the country, especially the reforms that are directly related to the European agenda and the Growth Plan. Namely, the Electoral Code and judicial reforms. This is precisely where political maturity is needed today. Concrete support where decisions are actually made - in the institutions and in the Parliament, rather than declarative support for Europe at press conferences. These are not just legal amendments, but reforms that directly affect the credibility of the state, the rule of law and the ability to continue to use the opportunities opened up by EU funds," Mucunski pointed out.

He stressed that any blocking, delaying or politicizing of these processes is not a blow to the government, but to the country's European perspective and to the interests of Macedonian citizens.

Mucunski noted that the country is currently receiving serious support and trust from the European Union and therefore all stakeholders have an obligation to show responsibility and contribute to reforms, instead of creating new political blockades.

"We remain strongly committed to the reforms because they are not only important for Brussels, but, above all, for Macedonian citizens and for better institutions and the economy," the Foreign Minister added.

He pointed out that the Reform Agenda is directly linked to the EU Growth Plan, a mechanism that opens up major opportunities for investment, infrastructure and economic development.

"I would like to inform the public that in the coming period we expect a historically high allocation of funds to the country within the Growth Plan. This is a clear signal that European institutions recognize our reform capacity, serious commitment and institutional readiness. But, at the same time, it is also a time when political stakeholders need to show responsibility and maturity. Because European future is not built on empty press conferences and daily political points. It is built with work and reforms and a sense of responsibility towards the country and towards the generations to come," Mucunski said. 

Photo: MIA archive