Brussels, 13 September 2023 (MIA) - North Macedonia is a litmus test of the EU enlargement process and all of its ups and downs, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani told a policy briefing at the European Policy Centre in Brussels themed "North Macedonia and the EU: Moving towards more integration?" on Wednesday.

FM Osmani recalled that the country started its EU journey together with Slovenia and Croatia, which are already Union members, while North Macedonia has still not started negotiations by clusters due to bilateral issues, MIA reports from Brussels.

"EU membership is North Macedonia's strategic goal for which there is no alternative," said Osmani and added that the country is in the heart of the continent, belongs to Europe both culturally and historically, whereas two-thirds of its trade exchange is conducted with EU members.

The FM noted that the enlargement process gains significance and represents a generating force for the region in circumstances of increased instability on the continent due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

According to him, bilateral issues have undermined the credibility of enlargement in the country, which although given positive recommendations and meeting the Copenhagen Criteria, did not start the process of negotiations, "thus stimulating nationalistic rhetoric".

Nevertheless, Osmani added, the geopolitical context with the Russian aggression of Ukraine has highlighted the significance of integration of the Western Balkans, while the recent statement of European Council President Charles Michel in Bled is a clear message that putting 2030 as the year for admission of new members gives the enlargement process a new framework.

"At this time, we are eliminating all debates on alternatives to EU enlargement and there is no other option for us than full-fledged EU membership," said Osmani.

He said that the gap between 2023 and 2030 should be filled with more integration of countries prior to their full-fledged membership, because candidates have not received any privileges until now, a fact that has created frustration and instability.

"This is not only frustrating for us but also the EU - the first fear being what if we join ahead of time, and the second what if it loses us," said Osmani.

He said that overcoming these frustrations requires a focus on the enlargement process and commitment to more integration before membership, so that candidate-states have access to the common market and EU funds before joining the Union.

"In circumstances when North Macedonia is fully aligned with the EU policies, one asks the question why are we not sitting on the same table with Union members to discuss these issues, thus seeing first-hand how the EU is functioning even before joining. This is a win-win situation for both sides," said Osmani.

He added there are 72 different regional initiatives, be it economic and political, one being Open Balkan, which is specific as an initiative not initiated from Brussels but by the participating countries, while noting "its weakness is that not all regional states are involved".

On the idea of a European Political Community, the FM said it could not serve as a replacement for EU membership, because enlargement is a separate process.

"North Macedonia is a functional multiethnic democracy that shattered stereotypes about the Balkans. We proved it is possible to integrate different communities into a functional system," said Osmani and added that the country is a regional leader in the aspect of minority rights.

He also referred to the role of OSCE Chairman-in-Office, saying the country's Chairpersonship with the organization has come amid the most challenging period from its establishment, the most important work being done in the field in the Balkans, Central Asia and primarily in Ukraine.

Osmani said he has intensified the communication with all member-states ahead of the December 1 ministerial meeting in Skopje, towards finding compromise solutions in overcoming blockades related to the budget adoption, the absence of a chair for 2024 and the failure to elect the executive offices, whose term expires by the year-end.

Photo: MFA, MIA