Mickoski made this statement during a meeting with European Council President António Costa on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, held in the first half of February, where discussions focused on European integration and the need for North Macedonia to finally gain access to the European Union.
"In this regard, Macedonia is making great progress, and the European Union must show its willingness to properly acknowledge this by accelerating the negotiation process with the EU," Mickoski emphasised.
He highlighted that the government in Skopje is strongly committed to judicial reforms, the pursuit of justice, and the fight against organised crime.
Mickoski stated that his government's primary goal is to improve the standard of living for citizens and enhance their quality of life through innovation, investment, and a strong education system.
What stage are North Macedonia's EU negotiations at?
Skopje formally began the "first phase" of negotiations with the EU in July 2022. However, in order to progress to the "second phase" and start opening chapters, North Macedonia must amend its Constitution to include the Bulgarian minority. In exchange, Sofia has promised to lift its veto on the opening of EU accession talks with North Macedonia. This process has been blocked by the VMRO-DPMNE party of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.
Mickoski, who took office in mid-2024, previously proposed a solution to Brussels and Sofia to overcome this obstacle: a delayed enactment of the constitutional amendments, which would take effect once North Macedonia completes its EU negotiations. However, this proposal did not receive support.
As reported by Euractiv on 10 February, the new Bulgarian government has stated that it refuses to negotiate with North Macedonia on easing the conditions for Skopje to begin EU accession talks.
"There is a European consensus, known in Bulgaria as the 'French proposal,' which will be strictly adhered to. The agreement that was reached is not a bilateral issue between Sofia and Skopje but rather one between Brussels and our neighbours in North Macedonia," an unnamed Bulgarian minister told the Brussels-based portal.
