Skopje, 22 April 2026 (MIA) - Your country was an example for the entire region for a long time and we don’t want to lose this progress. Austria will continue to be one of the largest supporters on your path to the European Union. The EU path is the true path, one that leads to lasting stability and prosperity, said the Chancellor of Austria, Christian Stocker, at a joint press conference Wednesday with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski in Vienna.

Stocker said accession must be the end goal of the process and all rules must apply for all candidates – without fast lanes and shortcuts. “Geopolitical influences and uncertainty have played a big role and because of that it is very important not to lose sight of the Western Balkans, especially now,” he said.

“EU enlargement is the strongest and most efficient instrument for peace, security, and prosperity. The six Western Balkan countries are pieces that are missing from the European mosaic. This isn’t about altruism or personal interest, but about expanding the European security network in our immediate neighborhood. In order to promote the successful project of EU enlargement, we all need to fulfill the required tasks. The solution won’t come from outside, neither from Brussels nor from Vienna. It is time to leave behind the different viewpoints and take geopolitical responsibility for the good of our shared Europe. These discussions don’t take place in a vacuum. Russia’s aggression on Ukraine dramatically changed the geopolitical landscape. This situation has left a mark on the Western Balkans as well. That is why the best thing to do would be to firmly anchor North Macedonia and the entire region into our family – the EU. Now is the time to think and act strategically not only for North Macedonia, but for the entire region. The region cannot afford to miss this geopolitical moment,” the Austrian Chancellor stressed.

At the press conference, the Chancellor said economic cooperation was also discussed during the meeting with Mickoski.

“Our two countries are closely connected, with excellent bilateral relations at the political, economic, and cultural levels, further strengthened by the well-integrated Macedonian diaspora of 27.000 people who enrich Austria’s cultural life. It is important to expand our partnership with our shared vision of a European future, which is in our common interest. This also applies to the economic sphere. I am proud that Austria is the largest foreign investor, with a total of EUR 1.3 billion in investments. We also benefit from your growth, our partnership is of mutual interest. More than 50 Austrian companies are present in North Macedonia, employing over 9.000 people, mainly in energy, waste management, banking, trade, and construction,” Stocker said.

The Austrian Chancellor stressed that high representatives of the business community in both countries will hold direct talks, while adding that North Macedonia is also a highly valued partner in the efforts to limit illegal migration.

Photo: Screenshot