On Monday, at the session of the National European Integration Council where the priorities and program of Denmark’s EU Presidency were presented, that country’s Ambassador, Pernille Dahler Kardel, stated that though it was uncertain what the following six months would bring as a result of geopolitical shifts, her country had changed its stand on enlargement.
“Several months ago, there was fatigue, while our country was not among those that believed in enlargement. Now, that’s changed”, she stated, adding that enlargement was one of the Presidency’s priorities.
Regarding North Macedonia’s EU path, the Ambassador said that the country knew what it should do, while Denmark “is here to help you”.
European Affairs Minister Orhan Murtezani stated that the “unprincipled vetoes” and bilateral issues were a systemic blow to the EU, adding that the organization should show its open doors were not symbolic, but rather real. He welcomed the Presidency’s motto, “A strong Europe in a changing world”.
As he stressed, it is a message transcending rhetoric and reflecting the true spirit of the current moment.
Regarding the priority for a secure Europe, SDSM leader and MP Venko Filipce, who also heads the Council, welcomed the initiative to strengthen security and military industry. He hopes North Macedonia, too, will find its place in terms of part of these priorities being achieved.
North Macedonia mustn’t become a victim of foreign destabilization operations, Filipce assessed as well.
“I consider enlargement, too, on which they will particularly focus, should be welcomed, especially with regards to the Western Balkans, is now being taken in the context of the EU’s Common Security Policy”, the SDSM leader stressed.
On the other hand, VMRO-DPMNE MP and former Foreign Minister Antonijo Milososki, who chairs the European Affairs Committee, said unanimous decision-making was a big shortcoming of the EU.