“There is significant interest and goodwill toward North Macedonia to open the first chapter in EU negotiations. Everyone has expressed support for your path to the EU,” said EU Ambassador Michailis Rokas.

Speaking before North Macedonia’s Parliament, EU Ambassador Michailis Rokas urged the country to seize the current momentum and goodwill for EU enlargement. During a joint session of the Parliamentary National Council for European Integration and the Committee on European Affairs, which discussed the European Commission’s 2024 Report, Rokas emphasized the unique opportunity at hand.

“We are committed and ready to assist you on your journey to the European Union. As witnessed in recent reports from Brussels, there is significant interest and goodwill toward North Macedonia to open the first chapter in negotiations. The new President of the European Council, the new Commissioner for Enlargement, and the new Vice President of the European Commission, Kallas, have all expressed support for your path to the EU,” said Rokas.

Rokas called on all political parties to strengthen the Parliament’s role as a forum for constructive and inclusive political dialogue, crucial for accelerating EU membership reforms. He encouraged lawmakers to make the most of this opportunity, emphasizing the benefits it would bring to citizens eager to join the EU.

The ambassador also highlighted the need for the newly elected Parliament to expedite its work and sustain reform efforts. He urged timely and merit-based appointments to key positions in state institutions and agencies. Furthermore, he cautioned against the misuse of EU legislation, stating that the EU flag should only be applied to laws directly aligned with EU directives.

Optimism for North Macedonia’s EU integration prospects in 2025 was also echoed by other EU ambassadors during a working breakfast hosted by Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski.

EU enlargement with Western Balkan countries remains a priority under Poland’s presidency of the EU Council, which began earlier this month. In an interview with “360 Degrees,” Poland’s acting ambassador to North Macedonia, Mariusz Brimora, reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to the Balkans. He emphasized that Poland would continue and intensify its efforts to accelerate the region’s accession to the Union.