Skopje, 15 April 2026 (MIA) - We especially value the clear position that the EU integration process must be based on the fulfillment of the Copenhagen criteria by candidate countries, but also that key importance lies in the EU’s own readiness to carry out the necessary internal reforms for the admission of new members, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski said at Wednesday’s joint press conference with Belgian Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation, Maxime Prévot.

Mucunski noted that he took the opportunity of the visit by his Belgian counterpart Prévot to express appreciation for Belgium’s continuous and principled support for country’s path to full EU membership.

“We also discussed the need for both wise and bold geostrategic decisions at a time when the European security architecture is facing serious challenges,” he said, noting that he briefed Prévot on the progress made in the EU integration process, as well as “on the Government’s strong, clear and unwavering commitment to the reform agenda.”

Speaking at a joint press conference with Belgian Foreign Minister Prévot, Minister Mucunski said that the visit is of great importance for the country and the region, particularly amid serious geopolitical challenges that directly impact Europe’s peace, stability, and future.

“Over the past three decades, we have built a strong friendship, intensive political dialogue, and a stable partnership. I clearly expressed our commitment to continue developing and deepening our friendship with the Kingdom of Belgium, based on mutual respect, trust, and shared responsibility for the stability and prosperity of the region and beyond. We placed special emphasis on enhancing economic cooperation,” Mucunski said.

Mucunski expressed confidence that, with joint political will and strong support from the business community, a new space can be opened for more intensive economic exchange and increased direct investment. At the beginning of the meeting, Mucunski also welcomed Belgium’s solidarity after the Kochani tragedy, including the transport and treatment of several patients.

Belgian Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation, Maxime Prévot also stated that North Macedonia can count on Belgium as a strong and reliable ally on its EU accession path.

“Belgium continues to firmly and unequivocally support your country’s European path. I strongly believe that bilateral issues should not at any point hinder the enlargement process. “I will continue to support a fair and credible enlargement process that rewards both progress and commitment, and you already demonstrate substantial progress and dedication in this regard,” Prévot said.

At the same time, according to Prévot, progress also requires respect for jointly undertaken commitments, particularly those related to reforms, the rule of law, and the constitutional amendments agreed in 2022.

“I understand that parallel action is necessary so that the European Union can provide assurances that, once these changes are adopted, a final, firm, and secure path toward EU membership will be established,” Prévot stated.

“An important aspect of my visit,” Prévot noted, “is that the institutional stability you have achieved is commendable,” stressing that “Belgium encourages a constructive political dialogue and the rule of law,” while also urging the government to continue on the path of reforms, as he said, it is a valuable investment.

“An important aspect of my visit,” Prévot noted, “is that the institutional stability you have achieved in recent years is commendable and represents a solid foundation for refocusing reform efforts,” stressing that “Belgium encourages constructive political dialogue, the continuation of the fight against corruption, a strong and independent judiciary, and the full protection of fundamental rights,” while also urging the Government to continue on the reform path, which, he said, is “an investment in the future.”

Regarding Bulgaria and the requests from our side for guarantees on the European path, Prévot said that Belgium has a clear position that Macedonia should be given assurances that no renewed blockade or obstacle will arise once the necessary changes are implemented.

“I believe that all EU member states should find a way to express the will to provide these assurances,” Prévot said.

At the start of the meeting, Prévot said he was pleased to have the opportunity to get to know, as he put it, “your realities and your everyday context, rather than mostly through intermediaries in Brussels.”

Prévot said he hopes this will not be his last meeting and visit, given his closeness to the Balkan countries. “Today I am here to underline the excellent relations between our two countries. You said that we live in multipolar tensions, and having reliable and stable partners is especially important. Within the EU, this also gives you the opportunity to count on the sincerity and solidarity of one of the oldest countries and one of the founding members of the EU - the Kingdom of Belgium.”

He also noted that Belgium is home to a significant Macedonian diaspora of around 15,000 people, who actively participate in the life of their home country, adding that this further strengthens bilateral partnership and cooperation.

Prévot also welcomed country's Euro-Atlantic commitment and its continued alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy, adding: “You, dear Timcho, are a strategically reliable partner.”

Photo: MIA