We did everything we had to, we are prepared and the delay of the accession negotiations was the Union’s mistake. That is why we should not be consumed by apathy, pessimism or defeatism. The EU decision-making process is complex, it requires consensus, and we have to get used to this. We truly have many friends in the Union, which interests on Europe’s future overlap with ours – a unified Europe including the fully integrated Western Balkans. There is no alternative to this path. Our strategic interest remains the same – to bring more of Europe at home and take North Macedonia in the EU, said Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani in a briefing regarding the country’s foreign policy before members of the Parliament’s Foreign Policy Committee on Thursday.
FM Osmani said the focus is now on Bulgaria and the best option remains to be the good will to implement the Friendship Treaty and bring back Sofia’s trust in its effectiveness.
He recalled that despite a turbulent and difficult year, considering the ongoing pandemic, the NATO membership was one of the country’s most significant successes on record, along with the decision for the start of the EU accession negotiations.
“From today’s standpoint, it seems baffling why the Council is still unable to agree on the content of the negotiating framework, but this should not diminish the significance of the March decision, which we waited for 15 years,” said Osmani.
As NATO members, he added, we immediately witnessed the strong solidarity from our allies, which have provided support to our health sector and management of the COVID-19 effects.
“As a country deeply integrated in the European political system, North Macedonia was incorporated in the European public procurement of medical equipment and the EU early warning system for communicable diseases. The EU has also exempted the country from the restrictions for export of medical equipment, putting it under the Union’s umbrella, shoulder to shoulder with member-states,” said Osmani and added that the Union has allocated EUR 66 million for urgent needs in the coronavirus management.
Osmani said goodneighborly relations are top priority of his term, for the purpose of opening the opportunities for deep and long-term friendship with all neighbors.
“Again, seen from today’s viewpoint and the conduct of our neighbor Bulgaria, this ambition is not producing optimism but seems unattainable. However, I assure you this is not so. It is no coincidence that Sofia was my first official destination, and communication between the countries’ ministries of foreign affairs and at all levels has intensified since,” he noted.
Working groups have been set up in both ministries, tackling all open issues and concerns raised by the neighbor over the past period.
“A number of documents in the form of draft-memorandums, non-papers, draft-declarations have been exchanged, as a creative opportunity to reach compromise that will bring back the trust in the process, without disrupting the identity traits of the Macedonian people and the Macedonian language. We have neither crossed this red line not ever negotiated on these issues,” said Osmani.
According to him, the important thing is that unresolved issues with Bulgaria have directly affected the Council’s failure to adopt the negotiating framework or the conclusions on the enlargement with the Western Balkans.
“We witnessed the enthusiasm, energy and commitment of the German Presidency, which fought up until the last moment for adoption of the negotiating framework and holding of the first intergovernmental conference with North Macedonia. In this regard, we received the support from literally all member-states, especially those from our broader neighborhood,” said Osmani.
He added that citizens need domestic reforms but efforts should also be invested on all issues that might represent an obstacle to the country’s European integration.
“The focus is now on Bulgaria. The best option remains to be the good will to implement the Friendship Treaty and bring back Sofia’s trust in its effectiveness. Despite the current challenges in bilateral relations, cooperation in the coming period should focus on the political consultations between the countries’ ministries, frequent official visits and high-level meetings. During this process we must find a way to get rid of some imposed narratives of past alliances and free new generations, who will live in new alliances under the NATO and EU umbrella,” said Osmani.
A meeting of the inter-governmental committee on implementation of the Friendship Treaty is set to take place at the onset of 2021, followed by five more meetings during the year, towards intensifying cooperation in the fields of culture and education, economy, environment and enhancement of Corridor VIII infrastructure.
“Continuation of the Treaty implementation through a specific and predictable Action Plan, as well as the appointment of the Government’s Special Representative for Bulgaria is expected to contribute to further dynamics in political relations and bringing them back into the Treaty framework,” said Osmani.
He noted that the ministry’s top priority also includes the other neighbors, which have not been neglected due to the current challenges with Bulgaria.
“In this regard, a Government delegation paid a visit to Athens soon after its formation, setting up excellent relations with the new Greek government led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. We are continuing to actively implement the Prespa Agreement but we are also working in parallel on enlargement of bilateral cooperation especially in the fields of economy, infrastructure, energy etc,” said Osmani.
He also recalled on the Berlin Process, which despite the restrictions and the political challenge of the co-presidency with Bulgaria, resulted in an exceptionally successful summit in Sofia.
Osmani highlighted the diplomatic success by the decision of 56 member-states of OSCE to accept the country’s candidacy to hold the organization’s Chairmanship in 2023.
“This offers an opportunity for North Macedonia’s better positioning on the international stage while realizing its own foreign policy priorities,” said Osmani.
Considering the broader international context, the strategic partnership with the United States has been one of the most important pillars of the country’s diplomacy.
“This partnership is based on the mutual interests for a stable, prosperous and pro-Western Balkans, a region fully integrated in multilateral organizations of the modern world. Only a couple of days ago, we promoted a postage stamp on occasion of the 25th anniversary of North Macedonia-United States diplomatic ties. All of the country’s processes leading to democratization and prosperity have received the selfless support from all U.S. administrations,” stressed Osmani.
In conclusion, the FM said EU accession remains the country’s only path.
“In 2021, sooner activation of the EU negotiating process is the the main diplomatic priority, following the first intergovernmental conference, the bilateral screening, the roadmap for the Fundamentals cluster, and intensive communication with Union institutions and member-states,” said Osmani.
