Skopje – Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski reiterated that efforts to advance the country’s Eurointegration through diplomatic channels are ongoing, emphasizing that the government is committed to pursuing constitutional amendments with delayed implementation as the sole acceptable solution.
“We are diligently collaborating with our allies on a daily basis. Just because we may not be visibly present does not imply inactivity. We are in constant communication with various stakeholders, including today’s visit from Foreign Affairs Minister Mucunski. As the first country in the region, we are signing a Security and Military Cooperation Agreement with the EU, represented by High Representative Mr. Borrell. We will be the first to receive the tranche from the Growth Plan, having also resolved issues that had remained stagnant for seven years. Those days of mere flag-waving and state misappropriation are behind us. We have made considerable progress, and we intend to maintain this momentum,” stated Mickoski.
He further stressed that the government’s position is well-founded and has been communicated to all relevant global and European authorities. “Our arguments have been heard widely, and we have not encountered any significant pushback on their validity. While we recognize the challenges ahead, the previous seven years were marked by a governmental focus on superficial diplomacy that ultimately undermined our domestic situation. It’s clear that people are not easily forgiving, as demonstrated by the events of May 8,” Mickoski remarked, addressing a question regarding European Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi’s recent comments about the necessity for constitutional amendments in the context of progress for Western Balkans countries.
Prime Minister Mickoski also revealed plans to be in Brussels twice in December, for meetings with the new EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Antonio Costa, on December 3, and for the EU-Western Balkans Summit on December 18 or 19, where he will continue to advocate for the country’s interests.
“We shall persist in our efforts. While I cannot predict success, given the ongoing political turmoil in our eastern neighbor, it would be naive to make guarantees. However, I assure you that we will exert every possible endeavor and fight relentlessly for the welfare of our country,” Mickoski concluded.
When asked about discussions regarding the delayed effect of constitutional amendments, Mickoski highlighted previous bilateral meetings with German Chancellor Scholz, French President Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
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