Brussels, 3 December 2024 (MIA) – Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski met with the new European Council President, António Costa, in Brussels on Tuesday, discussing the country's EU accession process. 

"I took the opportunity at the friendly meeting to lobby and present Macedonia's positions regarding European integration and the possibility of accelerating it," Mickoski posted on Facebook. 

The meeting took place ahead of the informal working dinner for Western Balkan leaders organized by the European Council President Costa. 

In addition to Mickoski, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željka Cvijanović, and the Prime Ministers of Albania and Kosovo, Edi Rama and Albin Kurti respectively, were also invited to attend the informal working dinner.  

Earlier on Tuesday, Mickoski met with the new European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Marta Kos, discussing "Macedonia's strategic interests in relation to EU enlargement and the country's readiness to succeed on the path to the European Union."

In a video address from Brussels, PM Mickoski said that at both meetings, he noted that the Government remains focused on reforms and is ready to discuss everything that is of principle for the country and the citizens, but it does not accept ultimatums. 

"At both meetings, in an exceptionally friendly, and I would say sincere and constructive atmosphere, we discussed everything that we have been through as a challenge in the past, everything that we had to give up in the name of European values, but at the same time we reaffirmed our positions that we do not accept ultimatums, that we are ready to discuss as much as necessary to find a way to open the first cluster, go through the negotiation process swiftly and become a member state of the European Union," said Mickoski. 

He added that the Government remains committed to ensuring a better life for the citizens, and part of that agenda is the inspiration for the country to be part of the European family. 

Photo: Facebook status