Skopje, 22 December 2025 (MIA) – Looking at the EU integration process, there are processes ongoing in the country that cannot replace accession negotiations, but they aim at preparing the country to join the EU. The best example is the Reform Agenda, designed to align the country with the EU’s highest standards in various areas. The issue we are facing is how to unblock the process to become a member. Technical negotiations will not bring you closer to the final destination because you will still have to, at some point, unblock the negotiations process, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski said Monday.

Answering reporters’ questions after a joint news conference with Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Elisa Spiropali, he said his country is focused on internal reforms and a dignified and adequate solution with the neighbour, Bulgaria.

“The country is focused on two key issues. Firstly, internal reforms, as demonstrated by yesterday’s government meeting on the accelerated dynamic recognized by Brussels as regards the Reform Agenda. Secondly, efforts to find a dignified and adequate solution with our neighbour, Bulgaria. We don’t think it will be easy or that it will happen overnight. Both internal reforms and ending the dispute with Bulgaria are matters that involve willingness as to whether we want to make changes here, in the country. It’s evident that this government is committed. Generations in our country very well remember the unprincipled blockades by the EU,” said Mucunski.

Finding a solution should be our common goal, according to him. It’s encouraging, the foreign minister said, that amid the current circumstances a majority of the Macedonian citizens remain pro-European.

“Some say Euroscepticism is on the rise. I don’t think it’s true, at least from what opinion polls say. But I believe there is a risk of rising Euro-pessimism. It’s a group of people who believe that European future is the right future for us, but they are not convinced that Europe will open its doors for us. We need to work hard to bust this thesis, which unfortunately is very credible at the moment,” stated Mucunski.

Photo and video: MIA