Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met with his North Macedonian counterpart, Hristijan Mickoski, in Budapest on Tuesday to discuss migration, bilateral relations, and North Macedonia’s European Union accession prospects.
At a press conference following the talks, Orbán reiterated Hungary’s opposition to the EU’s migration pact, stating that Western Balkan countries play a crucial role in securing Europe’s borders.
“We cannot protect the people of Europe from illegal migration without the support of the Western Balkans. North Macedonia is one of our most important partners in this regard,” Orbán said. “Hungary is grateful because by protecting their own borders, they are also protecting us.”
EU Enlargement and Regional Cooperation
Orbán emphasized Hungary’s continued support for North Macedonia’s EU integration, criticizing the slow progress of accession talks.
“It is a shame how slowly this process is moving. The responsibility for this lies not with North Macedonia but with us, the EU member states,” he said. “Every enlargement has improved the EU’s competitiveness, including Hungary’s accession.”
The two leaders also highlighted growing economic ties between their countries, with trade increasing sevenfold since 2010.
“In our view, North Macedonia and Hungary, together with Serbia, form a cohesive economic region with significant cooperation potential,” Orbán noted. “The problem is that we are inside the Union, and they are outside.”
Mickoski said EU membership remains North Macedonia’s strategic priority and thanked Hungary for its support. “Our goal is to build a stable, strong, and developing North Macedonia as a member of the European Union,” he said.
Security and Migration Policies
The leaders also addressed security concerns, particularly regarding migration. Orbán reiterated Hungary’s rejection of the EU’s migration pact, stressing that Hungary would never accept it.
“The better they protect their borders, the fewer migrants will reach Hungary’s southern border,” he said.
Mickoski said discussions also covered infrastructure, defense, and interior cooperation between the two nations.
Orbán confirmed that he would meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Wednesday before heading to Brussels for an EU summit on Thursday.
