Speaking after a meeting in Brussels with North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Michel noted that the current momentum behind EU enlargement offers a promising window for North Macedonia to strengthen its ties with Europe.
Имав средба со претседателот на Европскиот Совет, @CharlesMichel. Разговаравме за европската иднина на регионот и нашите потенцијали. Европа да, врз основа на објективни и реални критериуми. pic.twitter.com/g3PTNUfmnW
— Христијан Мицкоски (@MickoskiHM) September 19, 2024
Michel praised the nation’s dedication to aligning with the EU’s values and objectives but stressed that fulfilling existing obligations and adhering to legally binding agreements are critical for future progress. “Now is the time to implement reforms and stay the course,” Michel stated, according to the MIA news agency.
Prime Minister Mickoski, meanwhile, underscored his country’s challenges in the accession process, criticising the role of bilateral disputes in stalling North Macedonia’s EU ambitions. During his talks with Michel and at a Western Balkans leaders’ lunch hosted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Mickoski said the process of integration should be based on measurable achievements, not subject to unresolved bilateral issues.
Welcomed Prime Minister @MickoskiHM in Brussels and commended North Macedonia's geostrategic orientation and commitment to EU membership.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) September 20, 2024
With the current momentum in 🇪🇺 enlargement, 🇲🇰 has a real opportunity to advance on the EU path and join our family.
It is now key to… pic.twitter.com/Vb9Xnmoq54
He lamented that North Macedonia has been held back for over two decades by historical disputes with neighbouring countries, saying, “We are battling to begin negotiations to strengthen our institutions and capacity, while being weighed down by issues dating back to the Middle Ages.”
