North Macedonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timčo Mucunski, during a working visit to Ireland, which is next to assume the EU Council presidency, said that the enlargement process must remain based on merit, with clear rules and objective criteria.
He also underlined that the Western Balkans, in the context of heightened geopolitical challenges, must not be left on the margins of European processes.
Speaking at the Institute of International and European Affairs, Mucunski said that full EU membership remains a strategic objective for North Macedonia.
"I emphasised that enlargement must remain a process based on merit, clear rules and objective criteria. The credibility of the European Union depends on its ability to remain consistent with the principles and promises on which it was built," Mucunski said.
He also highlighted the need for new political momentum in the enlargement process, stressing that the Western Balkans must not be left on the margins of European processes amid increased geopolitical challenges.
He said the region should be an integral part of Europe’s vision of security, stability and prosperity.
Ahead of the start of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the EU, Mucunski welcomed the country’s continued and principled support for enlargement policy and the European perspective of the region’s countries.
"Europe remains our strategic choice, and full EU membership our clear and unwavering goal," Mucunski concluded.
(EUpravo zato)
