Skopje, 17 March 2023 (MIA) - The future of North Macedonia and its citizens lies within the European Union. Because only together, we will be strong enough to deal with the challenges of the difficult geostrategic environment that we face. To get there, you have to continue moving forward – as a country and as a whole society, said the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, after Friday's meeting of the Stabilization and Association Council held in Skopje.    

"To move forward means continuing adopting and implementing reforms that introduce European standards and bring concrete political and economic benefits for the people here," Borrell told a joint press conference with Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski and European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi.

Borrell stressed that moving forward also means improving relations with neighbours, including creating the conditions to adopt the constitutional amendments. 

According to him, this year is crucial after the July agreement which "is the best deal that you can get" and it is not realistic to believe that this can be reopened for new negotiations.

"It is on that basis that your future is in the European Union. Now is the time for all political parties to exercise their responsibilities and work in earnest on advancing on this path," Borrell added.

He reiterated that last year in July, based on a negotiation framework agreed by all 27 Member States, North Macedonia opened accession negotiations, which is an important date in the history of North Macedonia on its European path. 

"The door for full-fledged membership is now open. And our meeting today has been a good opportunity to look at what has been done, what has been achieved by North Macedonia in working on the necessary political and economic accession criteria," said Borrell.

He mentioned that the Stabilization and Association Council is the highest political forum for the dialogue between the European Union and a candidate country, and it usually takes place in Brussels or Luxembourg. But today, by holding the Council for the first time ever in Skopje, the Union wanted to show the appreciation for the progress achieved by North Macedonia on its European path, and demonstrate the importance it attaches to its relationship with North Macedonia as a future member of the European Union.

"Having this Council meeting here today clearly shows that the European Union is coming closer to you. And it also shows that the Western Balkans are and will continue to be a key priority for the European Union, as an important part of our geopolitical dimension," Borrell added.  

The EU's High Representative pointed out that Friday's meeting discussed where more efforts are needed and what tasks lie ahead, especially in the areas of rule of law, judiciary and fighting against corruption. 

"We also discussed the regional and international context – and how Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine has created new geostrategic challenges for all of us. Not only for Ukraine, not only for the European Union, for the Western Balkans too, for North Macedonia, for the whole world. And I have to say that North Macedonia has demonstrated a clear and unequivocal support for the European Union’s foreign policy, and a consistent full alignment with our positions and decisions, including on sanctions against Russia," Borrell said, adding that the EU values highly the important assistance that North Macedonia has provided to Ukraine. 

According to him, in doing that, North Macedonia has expressed its strategic choices and a truly European behaviour, reflecting shared values and principles. He also commended North Macedonia's role as OSCE Chair. 

"In the OSCE, North Macedonia is also acting in defence of European values, showing once again that North Macedonia is a reliable partner for the European Union. But I know, we know that, at the same time, this position also makes you a target of hostile actions from the enemies of the rules and international principles. Taking this posture is not for free, it comes with a cost, and we know it. And that is why we are strongly engaged in building up your resilience," said Borrell.

He noted that the policy Dialogue on countering hybrid threats, in cybersecurity, including the protection of critical infrastructure has been increased, reiterating as he also announced in the interview with MIA that the EU will provide EUR 9 million in assistance from the European Peace Facility (EPF) to upgrade the equipment of the Armed Forces of North Macedonia.

"To conclude, North Macedonia is demonstrating much dedication and good preparation to proceed in the accession process. It is crucial to build on the recent achievements and continue delivering on the reform agenda, not allowing any kind of backsliding or delay. The European Union will stand by your side, guiding and supporting you – during these difficult times, helping for example the government to provide electricity bill subsidies for citizens. But our support and assistance is much wider and is meant to be for the benefit of the people here, and also, for the European Union because we are trying to build a common and shared future," Borrell pointed out.