Skopje, 6 May 2026 (MIA) - North Macedonia belongs to the European family and actually we are much closer than we think. I believe what is quite missing at this moment is some pragmatism, determination and a desire to unite across the political spectrum, said the European Union’s Ambassador in Skopje, Michalis Rokas, at a conference titled "30 Years on the European Path: North Macedonia – European Union: Next Steps" hosted on Wednesday by the Diplomatic Club and Ss. Cyril and Methodius University's Faculty of Law in Skopje.

"In the past 20, 25 years the hopes were high and the enthusiasm was high, but there have been failures and disappointment throughout these years. And the issue is looking ahead, how we can remedy that and move forward because there is no doubt whatsoever that North Macedonia belongs to the European family and actually, we are much closer than we think," Rokas said.  

According to the Ambassador, what is missing at this moment is “some pragmatism, determination, and a desire to unite across the political spectrum in order to do the final decisive steps forward”.

"But it's good to reflect on history because I think that sometimes the citizens perhaps forget the significance and how the European Union has been a steady, close partner and friend, incredible and trusted partner and friend in all aspects. From moments of crisis, whether after the Ohrid Framework Agreement where we worked together with the US to end the armed conflict, but also with the Przhino agreement that was very much last week in the headlines... Also, the fact that 77 percent of exports from North Macedonia go to the European Union, and EU companies come and invest with confidence in the country. And that's why two thirds of the foreign direct investment in the country comes from the EU member states " the Ambassador stressed.

Ambassador Rokas also recalled the opening of EU programs such as Horizon and Erasmus+, which, he said, give the citizens opportunities to grow and then bring EU knowledge back to the country. He also highlighted the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, stressing that it, alongside all the other financial programs, can be very transformative for the country. 

“But of course, we all know that money cannot buy love alone in itself. So, we need to do more and especially we need to respond to the aspirations of the citizens. Because still, despite the disappointments, more than 70 percent according to the most recent opinion polls show that the citizens support the EU accession as the only way forward for the country. This gives us a sense of responsibility because we need to deliver," Rokas said.

According to the Ambassador, the path forward for North Macedonia was decided in 2022. Rokas noted that an agreement was reached, which, he said, “if it had been implemented, it would have allowed the country to be the frontrunner ahead of any other candidate, especially the fact that you are not negotiating yet”.

"It is significant to start negotiations because when you start negotiating, it changes momentum, it changes belief, everybody is aligned in order to deliver in these goals. Still you feel that there is an obstacle to EU accession. The efforts that are being put towards this end are a little bit slower. There is suspicion and we need to breach that. So obviously, like everything in life, enlargement is also a political decision, and the way forward is also a political decision. But I would say that we need to realize that times have changed significantly. We're living in an era where the international rules-based system has been destroyed and where long-term friendships have been put into question. So, there is no doubt that the EU has to respond to these challenges by also making a strong accent into EU enlargement and we cannot allow black holes to remain in the European continent," Rokas said. 

The Ambassador said trusted partnerships should be built, but as Europe, not as the European Union.

"We see you in all this being our partners and friends. We believe and we trust that we are your most credible and reliable friends throughout the years, despite the disappointment. So please keep believing in that. We will be there to assist you in this important moment, to overcome the last hurdle and obstacle so that we bring EU accession closer to the Macedonian citizens," Rokas stressed.  

Addressing the discussion, the head of the Diplomatic Club, Ambassador Jovan Tegovski, said the country’s slow progress to the EU carries risks – reform fatigue, reduced public trust and increased skepticism, as well as higher opportunities for narratives and foreign influences that aren’t aligned with European values to take root.

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