Strasbourg – Over twenty years ago in Thessaloniki, a commitment was made regarding the future of the Western Balkans within the European family, and it is crucial that this commitment persists not only in words but also in actions, stated Orhan Murtezani, Minister for European Affairs, during his speech at the 24th meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee that commenced this afternoon at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
– For North Macedonia, which has faced a lengthy and often challenging journey beyond the Copenhagen criteria, the European path and full membership are firmly held beliefs, not mere conveniences. Each reform we undertake reinforces our conviction that Europe is at its strongest when it fulfills its promises, and that the Union is incomplete until those who have waited the longest are welcomed as full members, Murtezani emphasized.
He highlighted that the European path has never been a distant dream for us; it has consistently represented a daily commitment and disciplined effort aimed at transforming commitment into tangible results.
According to him, the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans has added a new dimension to our European journey, as it acknowledges past achievements and invites further progress.
– Through this Plan, the European Union has demonstrated that integration is not a process set for the future. It starts with the transformation of systems, economies, and societies today and can yield real benefits even prior to formal membership, Murtezani stated. (November 26, 2025)
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