Skopje, 15 April 2026 (MIA) - North Macedonia can count on Belgium as a strong and reliable ally on its EU accession path, Belgian Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation, Maxime Prévot, said at Wednesday’s joint press conference with his host, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski.

“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 advocate for progress in reforms and alignment with the Copenhagen criteria,” Prévot said.

“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.

Regarding Bulgaria and the requests from our side for guarantees on the European path, Prévot said that Belgium has a clear position that North 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 beginning, Prévot expressed satisfaction at having the opportunity during today’s visit to better understand the country’s reality and get to know North Macedonia.

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.”

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Belgian counterpart Prévot, Minister Mucunski said the visit is highly important for the country and the region, especially amid current geopolitical challenges.

“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. He also noted that he used the visit to welcome Belgium’s continued and principled support for country's path toward full EU membership.

“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,” Mucunski said.

Mucunski noted 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.

“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.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mucunski also welcomed Belgium’s solidarity after the Kochani tragedy, including the transport and treatment of several patients.

Photo: MIA