Athens, 10 September 2023 (MIA) – The issue with Bulgaria should be solved from the perspective of European values and principles. I stress that a dialogue based on European values and principles is necessary, and not one based on “who’s stronger” or who is a member of the Union and who isn’t, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European affairs, Bojan Marichikj, told Greek online media Pontiki in an interview, MIA’s Athens correspondent reports.

In the interview titled “Athens and Skopje working for North Macedonia’s EU-integration”, Marichikj spoke about the recent informal dinner of the Western Balkan leaders hosted by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens, about the country’s European perspective, but also about the Prespa Agreement and the relations with Greece.

The Deputy PM said the next steps on North Macedonia’s path to EU membership include “brave measures and responsible work internally” and voiced readiness for dialogue with Bulgaria, clarifying that “we are already discussing all open issues.”

“We are ready to deal with the issues during our negotiations with the European Union. Under no circumstances are we ready to give up on our Macedonian language and identity. We have a set of obligations that we have to fulfill for our Euro-integration. A timely fulfilment of these conditions will demonstrate our real intention to become a valued member of the European Union. In this stage, North Macedonia does not only strive to fulfill the criteria based on the EU standards, but also to exceed them,” said Marichikj, adding that the country is fully committed to the journey and that “the next steps are proof of our commitment.”

Regarding the meeting in Athens 20 days ago, dedicated to the region’s EU perspective, which Marichikj attended alongside Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, he said that the commitment was affirmed for a new era in the Western Balkans with an open door towards the EU for a successful and decisive approach, as well as a “joint assurance that the region can and should be an indivisible part of the European Union.”

“Not only is the EU’s strategy realistic, but it is also essential for the tackling of the geopolitical dynamic in Europe and the broader region, considering the events that we have been living through for a year and a half. The current conditions, the mood and intentions of the Europeans to accelerate the Western Balkans’ Euro-integration is an excellent opportunity for us all. We are investing efforts in all areas in order to implement this strategy. Our meeting with the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, was a step forward because we spoke about our progress, which is in line with the European Union’s goals and ambitions,” said Marichikj.

The Deputy PM noted that it can be said that “we have entered a new era in relations between the EU and the Western Balkans,” highlighting that the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, announced that the next enlargement will be in 2030 in a speech at the Bled Strategic Forum.

“We need a deadline and a clear plan, and I think 2030 is a realistic date for the conclusion of reforms between the European Union and the candidate states. But, if it only remains as a promise, then a great disappointment will follow. I think that as soon as we accomplish our tasks, we will be in the group of next EU members,” said the Deputy PM.

Asked if North Macedonia is close to the European family, Marichikj stressed this is undisputable due to many reasons – geographic, sociological, political and democratic.

“The positions of our citizens say a lot about their desire to be a part of the European Union. Their unwavering support for EU membership points to a shared vision of a prosperous, stable and united Europe. We don’t see the EU only as an institution, but also as a community of nations that reflect our own values and aspirations. Our commitment to the democratic values and EU integration is proof of our strong desire to officially integrate ourselves within the European Union and contribute to Europe’s collective future,” Marichikj told the Greek media outlet.

On the country’s relations with Greece five years after the signing of the Prespa Agreement, the Deputy PM said the two countries are in a stage characterized by friendship, trust and mutual commitment to joint progress.

“Now, the two countries are working hard for North Macedonia’s EU integration. Greece was a supportive ally, stressing the importance of a united Western Balkans. Essentially, five years after the Prespa Agreement, North Macedonia and Greece are in a stage of mutual respect, cooperation and optimism. We are seeing proof that peaceful resolutions can lead to a brighter, shared future for all,” said Marichikj.

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