The European Union remains firmly committed to supporting North Macedonia on its path to membership, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said during her first visit to Skopje Friday, where she met Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and top government officials.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Kallas praised North Macedonia’s alignment with EU foreign and security policy and lauded the country’s role as a reliable partner in regional security, citing its contribution to EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“North Macedonia belongs to the European Union,” Kallas said. “You have a strong track record of alignment with our foreign and security policy – something very important, especially in these turbulent times.”
Kallas announced that North Macedonia, as the first country in the region to sign a Security and Defence Partnership with the EU, had officially launched its first security and defence dialogue with the bloc on Thursday. The partnership focuses on cooperation in areas such as Ukraine, hybrid threats, and counterterrorism.
The EU’s top diplomat also pointed to North Macedonia’s status as the first recipient of the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. She urged the government to stay on course with reforms and take the next steps toward opening accession talks.
“We know the road to membership is not easy,” she said. “But we have seen that progress can be fast where there is political will.”
Mickoski calls for fair treatment, says reforms are real
Prime Minister Mickoski reaffirmed the government’s commitment to EU integration but stressed the need for a “fair and consistent” approach from Brussels.
“Our country is ready and deserving of membership,” he said. “The reforms are already a reality. The European Union should recognize the maturity, the sacrifices, and the progress we are making.”
“Europe can count on us — now it is time we start counting on Europe,” Mickoski said in a statement posted to social media following the meeting.
Deputy PM Mexhiti: Fight against corruption key to EU path
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment Izet Mexhiti said the fight against corruption and deep structural reforms remain central to North Macedonia’s EU accession efforts.
“Our government is working for a strong and just North Macedonia, with a clear perspective of stability and prosperity for all citizens,” Mexhiti said in a Facebook post, adding that with continued support from partners, the country remains firmly committed to joining the European family.
He also confirmed that the message of unity was conveyed jointly with Mickoski and Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski during the meeting with Kallas.
Mucunski: Skopje hosts first EU security and defence dialogue
Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski said the inaugural security and defence dialogue with the EU marks a milestone in North Macedonia’s integration into Europe’s defence architecture.
“Our full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy is not merely a technical obligation — it is a clear expression of our strategic commitment,” Mucunski said, adding that the government remains dedicated to supporting Ukraine, including through military assistance.
He said the dialogue laid the groundwork for regular political and expert consultations and will open new avenues for cooperation and integration in the EU’s security and defence structures.