On the fifth anniversary of North Macedonia’s NATO membership, the government expressed gratitude to its allies for their solidarity and assistance in treating young survivors of a recent fire in the town of Kočani, which killed 59 people and injured more than 100.
“Your swift response demonstrated the strength of solidarity—NATO’s core principle—which was shown in full force in this case. This tragedy underscores why solidarity must remain our guiding pillar in international relations,” Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski told ambassadors of NATO member states and partner countries.
A Strong Alliance
The meeting coincided with North Macedonia’s NATO accession anniversary, which Mucunski described as a milestone for the country.
“These five years have been marked by strong alliances, unity, determination, and solidarity in addressing common threats during challenging times,” he said.
Since gaining independence, North Macedonia has pursued Euro-Atlantic integration, considering it both a strategic objective and a source of internal cohesion. Despite challenges on the path to NATO membership, Mucunski noted that the goal remained widely supported by the country’s citizens and political leaders.
“NATO membership has brought optimism and had a stabilizing effect on the region. As a NATO member, we contribute to security not only for ourselves but also for the broader region and Europe,” he said.
A Date to Remember
North Macedonia became NATO’s 30th member on March 27, 2020—27 years after its parliament adopted a resolution prioritizing NATO and EU membership.
The country signed the Partnership for Peace Framework Document in 1995, opened a NATO liaison office in 1996, and gained candidate status at the alliance’s 1999 summit in Washington. It then embarked on membership preparations through the NATO Membership Action Plan.
In November 2024, former Defense Minister Radmila Šekerinska was appointed NATO’s Deputy Secretary General, a move seen as recognition of North Macedonia’s growing role within the alliance. Šekerinska played a key role in the country’s NATO accession.
“This is a responsibility that requires full commitment to issues vital for global security and stability. I will continue to advocate for values that strengthen peace, cooperation, and integration among NATO members, while proudly representing North Macedonia in this high international position,” she said upon taking office.
Future Plans
A high-level NATO delegation, led by General and Deputy Director for Defense Planning Frédéric Gauthier and senior political expert Stuart Andrews, met with North Macedonian defense officials to discuss military reforms, capability development, and NATO’s recommendations.
Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski reaffirmed the country’s commitment to military modernization and alliance goals.
“As pledged at the Vilnius summit in 2023 and reaffirmed in Washington last year, we allocate 2% of our GDP to defense—€329 million—of which over 32% is dedicated to equipping and modernizing our army,” he said.
