"This is a moment of awakening for Europe, a moment when the enlargement process with the countries of the Western Balkans should be revived. I know that you have certain expectations and rightly so. Formal negotiations on the accession of North Macedonia and Albania should begin as soon as possible, and I hope that this will be possible in the next intergovernmental conference," said the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy and Security, Jozep Borelj, after a meeting with the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Dimitar Kovačevski.
Borelj, who is visiting North Macedonia, pointed out that North Macedonia and the entire region are a strategic priority and that the EU is committed to realizing the European perspective for those countries.
"The current status quo is not in anyone's favor. The blockade of accession negotiations for the country is felt throughout the region. It is necessary for North Macedonia to have a strong and clear European perspective," said Prime Minister Kovačevski.
According to Kovačevski, only a fully united Europe can be strong.
"In a period of instability, as never before, there is a need for Europe to be united and strong. The war that is being waged is a risk for increasing the influence of third parties in the region, for which we must all be extremely careful and prepared. Getting out of the geostrategic gap in our part Europe is not an option, the rapid integration of North Macedonia and the region into the EU will ensure stability in Europe. We need predictable, accelerated and intensified processes of integration into the EU," he said.
Borelj welcomed the new momentum between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, stressing that he appeals to both sides to find mutually acceptable solutions and resolve bilateral issues, because "expansion cannot continue if it is hindered by bilateral issues."
"At the same time, reforms in the areas of the rule of law, the fight against corruption, digital transformation and the green agenda in North Macedonia will enable rapid progress towards negotiations. All actors must work together to advance the European reform agenda as the fastest way for the country to move forward on the European path." a senior European official said.
Regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kovačevski reminded that North Macedonia, as a member of NATO and a candidate country, agreed its position with its allies, the United States and NATO. He added that a new principle of cooperation was established with his colleague from Bulgaria, which, according to Kovačevski, is the right way to reach a solution to the dispute.
"It is extremely important that the EU and its member states get involved, because the expansion to the countries of the Western Balkans is already a strategic and security issue. Integration means a commitment to a stable and united Europe. The countries of the Western Balkans are closely connected - when there is progress in one country, it is an incentive for progress in other neighboring countries," Kovačevski said and added that the Government remains committed to reforms and the reform process, the rule of law and anti-corruption, economic issues and financial support from the EU will make a great contribution in this direction.
Borelj welcomed North Macedonia's position on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, supporting sanctions and condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
"The decision to adhere to restrictive measures clearly demonstrates your commitment to EU values and sets you on the path to Europe not only as a candidate for membership, but also as a responsible member of the international community, because what we are talking about is a moral choice and no choice due to calculations.
"I am sure that you are solving this based on moral principles," Borelj said.
As previously reported by Reuters, Borelj said that the European Union will propose strengthening the security and defense of the countries of the Western Balkans in order to firmly "anchor" the region within the bloc of 27 member states amid concerns over threats from Russia.
Addressing the journalists, Borelj said that the European Union is finalizing the adoption of the fourth package of sanctions against Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine. As he stated, more than 2.400 civilians were killed in Mariupol since the beginning of the invasion, and 2,6 million people fled Ukraine.
Borelj is visiting North Macedonia, and will stay in the Western Balkans from March 13 to 16. It is planned to visit Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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