English
Support for EU enlargement is strong, and public opinion heavily favors EU membership. Macedonia is successfully implementing reform processes and has recorded the third-highest economic growth rate in Europe—4.3% in the second quarter; furthermore, we are fully committed to and aligned with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy,” stated Aleksandar Nikoloski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, during a panel discussion on EU enlargement held in Brussels and organized by the think tank ‘Friends of Europe.’
“Regarding reforms, we are generally doing well. The Growth Plan was mentioned, and we have fulfilled everything that was asked of us. Our economy is experiencing rapid growth. In the second quarter of this year, we recorded GDP growth of 4.3%, the third-highest in Europe. Crucially for my country, we possess political, economic, and inter-ethnic stability and cohesion—goals we have long strived for. Looking at the big picture, the country is moving in the right direction. We are fully committed to and aligned with the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy—not 80% or 90%, but 100%. Unfortunately, the only reason we are not making progress is the veto from Bulgaria,” Nikoloski noted. He pointed out that EU support for Macedonia is substantial, and the fact that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is visiting Skopje serves as a significant signal.
“Things are definitely changing now. Naturally, the situation regarding Ukraine and Moldova is aiding the entire enlargement process, and this opportunity should be seized. There is interest in the region. President von der Leyen is coming to Skopje—she has visited Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo, and is now coming to Macedonia, which is an excellent signal. I hope a mechanism will be found that the European Commission can utilize to allow us to open accession negotiations. Outstanding issues with neighbors must be resolved one way or another, but I believe the atmosphere will be much more relaxed and positive if we begin negotiations,” said Nikoloski.
During the panel discussion, he emphasized that the region’s success lies in a joint approach—something already evident in the region’s economic growth and the development of tourism and air travel—the Ministry of Transport reported.