“Regarding North Macedonia, we welcome the steps to boost regional connectivity. And we hope for real progress in 2026. Their authorities know what they need to do”, European Council President Costa said following the EU-Western Balkans Summit on Wednesday.
Also, in the Brussels Declaration adopted at the Summit, the full and unequivocal commitment to the membership perspective of the Western Balkans was reaffirmed. Prior to the Summit, EP President Metsola had said it was about time that the EU started to add to its members since enlargement was a win-win for Europe and the Western Balkans.
While arriving at the event, PM Mickoski stated that it was good when the region was in the optics of the EU, which was encouraging also for citizens of the region. According to him, the Western Balkan geographically belongs in Europe, while it’s logical for it to be integrated into the EU.
“We, as a country, deserved that a very long time ago because our path started 25 years ago but due to, I would say, artificial reasons, we still cannot be part of the European family”, he stressed.
On the other hand, Bulgaria’s outgoing PM, Zhelyazkov, said there were no unresolved bilateral issues between his country and North Macedonia.
“This is a pan-European position”, he noted.