Skopje – “We are committed to supporting your country’s journey towards EU membership. We recognize the progress you have made over the past two decades, and it is essential that we maintain bilateral discussions without turning these issues into obstacles,” stated Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger during a joint press conference with her counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mutsunski.
She emphasized that while North Macedonia has made significant strides, additional efforts are needed from both the country and the EU to foster and expedite this process without introducing further hurdles.
– “My message to the citizens of North Macedonia is that we are genuinely serious about aiding you on your path to the EU. You are an integral part of Europe, and we mean it when we say we cannot be complete without you. The enlargement of the European Union is not merely a technical process; it represents a strong commitment to achieving economic prosperity and freedom. I want to highlight the considerable work this country has accomplished,” Meinl-Reisinger stated.
She acknowledged that North Macedonia has faced challenging moments in its EU accession journey and recognized that the process has been lengthy.
– “We in the EU bear the responsibility to ensure that the citizens of this country feel our dedication to this path. Our goal is to promote gradual integration so that you can sense our support. Regarding the year 2022, it was a time of compromise. While opinions may differ on whether this was a fortunate or unfortunate resolution, that compromise was established and must be acknowledged. Yes, we discussed it. There are still more reforms needed from Macedonia,” noted Meinl-Reisinger.
She also pointed out that the geopolitical landscape of the Western Balkans has shifted, emphasizing the need for all parties to recognize their roles as crucial partners in addressing these changing dynamics. Therefore, she insisted on the importance of uniting to strengthen the region.
Minister Mutsunski, in turn, reiterated that Austria remains a steadfast and principled supporter of North Macedonia’s European aspirations and a true ally for the entire region. A significant portion of their discussions focused on the Euro-integration process, with Minister Mutsunski expressing gratitude for Austria’s ongoing and vocal support.
Both Meinl-Reisinger and Mutsunski agreed that the expansion of the European Union is a geopolitical necessity for ensuring the security and stability of the continent. (May 16, 2025)
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