Skopje, 12 March 2024 (MIA) – The resolution of the US Senate, reaffirming support for the opening of the first EU negotiation cluster with North Macedonia without additional bilateral conditions, will signify encouragement for our country to proceed along this path, while also urging the EU to accelerate the country's integration into the Union, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani said on Tuesday.

"This also serves as a message to the political actors here advocating for possible alternatives to EU membership," Osmani noted.

"Yes, there is a proposal from four senators - two Democrats and two Republicans - for a resolution that will serve as a significant endorsement for our country's EU membership. That is very important because it is particularly significant as it is supported by both sides, Republicans and Democrats are unanimous, which means that in the US we have an absolute consensus in support of North Macedonia. The resolution also references Blinken's meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here, highlighting the support extended by the US, will signify encouragement for our country to proceed along this path, while also urging the EU to accelerate the country's integration into the Union," Osmani told reporters during a press conference on North Macedonia's activities within the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Chairpersonship.

He reminded that the negotiating framework was established with the consensus of all 27 EU member states, which safeguards our positions. It prevents historical-identity issues from becoming benchmarks for opening and closing chapters, focusing solely on minority and human rights.

“That was a major achievement for the country to establish such a negotiating framework, and of course, I anticipate that process to expedite right after the elections, aiming for the Republic of North Macedonia to become an EU member by 2030,” Osmani noted.

According to him, the resolution of the US Senate also sends a message to the political forces in the country that consider alternatives other than joining the EU.

“It will also contribute to encouraging the member states, reaffirming our conviction that there is no alternative to EU membership. It's also a subtle message to the political actors here that suggest there might be an alternative to the EU, but the procedures are already established. They are in our best interest. We simply need to stay focused and maintain a strategic foresight, especially not risking it now with the elections, and continue with the implementation of our commitments to become an EU member by 2030,” Osmani said.

Asked about the political entities advocating alternatives to EU accession, Osmani states that anyone not working towards accelerated EU membership is effectively advocating for alternatives.

“I believe there are political parties, there is a presidential candidate who advocate for leaving NATO, suggesting they have alternatives to the EU. However, I am of the view that it's not just a matter of rhetoric. Anyone who is not actively pursuing accelerated EU membership is effectively promoting alternatives. Thus, the political landscape is clearly divided into pro-European and anti-European fronts,” Osmani said.

He announced that he will reduce his activities as Minister of Foreign Affairs once he is officially nominated as the presidential candidate of DUI.

The Unites States affirms its support for North Macedonia’s European Union accession in the latest resolution introduced in the Senate, sponsored by Senators Peter Welch (Dem.), Jeanne Shaheen (Dem.), Thom Tillis (Rep.), and Pete Ricketts (Rep.).

In the resolution, the Senate calls on the President, the Secretary of State, and European allies to advocate for the opening of the first European Union negotiation cluster with North Macedonia without further bilateral conditions. In the resolution, the Government of North Macedonia is also encouraged to undertake the reforms necessary to advance its European Union membership.

Photo: MIA