It’s really important that the EU delivers on the promise it made to the region in Thessaloniki. The blockade of North Macedonia’s European integration is an issue for the EU as well because it doesn’t only affect North Macedonia’s future, but also the EU’s future in the Western Balkans, Deputy PM for European Affairs Nikola Dimitrov told a panel discussion on Wednesday as part of the first Skopje Economic Forum.
“The promise Europe made to the Balkans in Thessaloniki in 2003, was reaffirmed at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia and this year in Ljubljana. As Deputy PM, it’s getting harder for me to tell people that this is possible. The region is surrounded by countries that belong in Europe economically, politically, historically and culturally, and it’s important that we see real decisions and progress in delivering on the promises made in Thessaloniki. North Macedonia has no alternative to becoming a functional European democracy, followed by economic prosperity. We’re continue to implement reforms, something that we’re doing for us, but accession will help speed this process up. Regardless of whether we start accession negotiations, our path is clear – we’ll work on building a European democratic society,” Dimitrov said, commenting on the EU’s failure on Tuesday to start talks with North Macedonia and Albania.
He underlined that the blockade of North Macedonia’s European integration is an issue for the EU as well.
“A lot of ministers are now publicly saying that this is an issue for the EU as well. In some way, it doesn’t only affect North Macedonia’s future, but also the EU’s future in the Western Balkans. We did everything we could. We’re open and honest and believe that finding a European solution together is possible. We have a responsibility to protect our people, who every six months are given hope only to be disappointed again, which is not healthy for the nation,” the Deputy PM noted.
Gašper Dovžan, Secretary General at Slovenia’s Foreign Ministry, said in an online address as part of the forum, that the upcoming Slovenian EU Presidency will be based on three pillars and focus on the region.
The first pillar is continuation of the EU enlargement process, the start of negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania and opening new chapters with Serbia and Montenegro. Dovžan underlined that the Portuguese Presidency did a lot in that regard and expressed conviction that Slovenia will succeed in meeting goals, especially when it comes to starting talks with North Macedonia and Albania.
The second pillar of the Slovenian EU Presidency will be implementation of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans and offering prospects for young people, economic cooperation in the region and a joint regional market.
The third pillar, he said, will focus on establishing a platform for resolving open disputes in the region, as enhanced cooperation results in greater regional stability.
