Skopje, 12 November 2024 (MIA) – Recent statements by European leaders highlight EU enlargement as a geopolitical imperative, a principle that our region demonstrates through its commitment and progress, Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani told Tuesday's conference organized by the International Balkan University on  "Perspective for a Shared Future", focusing on North Macedonia's EU accession process and the relations between the EU and Turkey.

According to Murtezani, the European Union's emphasis on speeding up accession processes and resolving bilateral issues through strategically targeted diplomacy indicates a deeper understanding by the EU of the significance of the Union's enlargement. The country's path to the EU, he added, is closely linked to the stability and prosperity of the entire Western Balkans.

"North Macedonia is not only a future member state, but a current partner in the European cause. North Macedonia's path forward is closely linked to the stability and prosperity of the entire Western Balkans. Our commitment to the Common Regional Market and the Berlin Process reaffirms our readiness to contribute to regional cohesion and economic integration, positioning the Western Balkans as a vital component of Europe's future. Our membership aspirations should no longer be seen as a distant hope, but a logical and timely outcome of the common vision," said Murtezani. 

He noted that integration in the EU will be a key milestone in European history, adding that the country is fully committed to the common effort in achieving stability and cohesion in the region. 

"We have now entered a key phase of meeting the benchmarks for the opening of Cluster 1 on the rule of law and fundamentals. In addition, we proposed roadmaps related to judicial reforms, minority rights and public administration reform. Each one is both a milestone and a commitment – ​​a demonstration of our capacity to establish real, sustainable change. This year's progress report, published by the European Commission two weeks ago, confirms that North Macedonia is ready to make confident progress towards accession," Murtezani said. 

Progress is important, said the Minister, but "we are fully aware that EU integration must be more than meeting a series of technical benchmarks". 

"The prospects for our accession reflect not only the alignment of policies but also the convergence of destinies. In our interconnected world, a nation's success in achieving democratic values, stability and prosperity strengthens the collective strength of all. Today, North Macedonia stands as a fully committed partner in the common effort to achieve stability and cohesion in our region," Murtezani pointed out. 

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs