Croatia remains a strong supporter of North Macedonia’s European integration and encourages it to persist in overcoming obstacles on its EU path, Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković said on Thursday during a joint press conference with his North Macedonian counterpart Afrim Gashi.
“We support your efforts to continue on the path of European integration and to resolve the obstacles ahead. It is important to strengthen alliances within NATO and the EU,” Jandroković said.
Jandroković emphasized the need for deeper partnership and friendship between the two nations, saying Croatia understands the challenges North Macedonia has faced, particularly in its NATO accession process.
“I know your NATO membership came with difficulties, and that you still face challenges on the road to the EU. Membership in the EU has geopolitical significance and brings security. Of course, this path requires reforms, but that is a positive process, as Croatia has also experienced,” he said.
Encouraging North Macedonia to remain committed, Jandroković highlighted the benefits of reforms, noting Croatia’s positive economic and social changes following its own accession.
“Reforms have led to increased investment, higher employment, and overall positive societal changes. This path will bring a stronger economy and better living standards. Regardless of the challenges—some of which may seem unfair—you have our support,” he added.
Jandroković described the political relations between Croatia and North Macedonia as excellent and noted that trade between the two nations continues to grow. He also emphasized strong historical and cultural ties, expressing hope that this visit would further enhance bilateral and parliamentary cooperation.
Gashi reaffirmed Croatia’s role as a consistent supporter of North Macedonia’s EU aspirations and said the two countries share valuable experiences.
“Croatia remains a firm and lasting supporter of our European perspective. We believe Croatia sets an example of how to implement reforms and complete the EU integration process. Both countries signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU in the same year, yet today, Croatia has been an EU member for 12 years, while North Macedonia continues to face well-known obstacles,” Gashi said.
He stressed the importance of continuing reforms and resolving outstanding issues, adding that with allies like Croatia and other EU partners, North Macedonia remains optimistic about its European future.
Gashi also noted that the meeting reaffirmed the strong alliance between the two countries within NATO, where both actively participate in peacekeeping and security missions.
“Our integration into the EU is not just an aspiration or an internal development need—it is a geopolitical necessity, especially given current tensions and Russian aggression in Ukraine. EU accession is a key instrument for ensuring stability and peace in the region,” he said.
Both speakers discussed further cooperation in economic, cultural, and multilateral areas, agreeing to continue their partnership at regional and international levels.
“The support of Croatia in our EU integration process and other fields is invaluable and essential for us,” Gashi concluded.
Following the press conference, Jandroković also addressed North Macedonian lawmakers in Parliament. /BV
