Strumica, 21 February 2025 (MIA) - If the United States is able to contribute to the acceleration of the Euro-integration process or your country’s European path, then such efforts are more than welcome, said the European Union’s Ambassador to North Macedonia, Michalis Rokas, quizzed Friday about his view on Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski’s frequent visits to the United States

Asked whether the EU would bolster projects in the country that have lost funding from the US due to President Donald Trump’s USAID cuts, the Ambassador said they are watching the situation closely, but they must wait for the 90-day period to pass to see what happens with the funds provided by the USAID.

“As the EU we should cooperate with the whole world, and we should, of course, be fair to all other countries or partners that are investing in your country, and we should wait for all USAID projects that have been implemented and after there is more clarity about those projects, of course, where there is a need, where it is possible, the EU could join the realization of such projects. As you already know, there are regular calls for projects, for tenders, including for civil organizations and cybersecurity, and if there is any additional need for tenders or projects that will be taken into account, but it should be in accordance with budgetary restrictions on the EU’s side,” the Ambassador said. 

Asked about the EU’s position and strategy regarding the amplified far-right narratives, especially in aspiring EU members, Ambassador Rokas stressed the EU is facing new geostrategic developments. He noted the new EU leadership is working to respond to all challenges.

Photo: MIA