Skopje, 17 July 2023 (MIA) - Poland’s Minister for the European Union Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk, who is part of the visiting 'Weimar Triangle', also including France's Minister of State for Europe Laurence Boone and Minister of State for Europe and Climate in Germany's Federal Foreign Office Anna Lührmann, said Monday the three countries want to actively support North Macedonia on its EU accession path and welcome the country into the Union.

"We know that the process can sometimes be difficult but we have done a lot to open the process of accession negotiations," Szynkowski told a joint press conference with Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj.

He said everything is now in the hands of the Macedonian political stakeholders.

"Constitutional amendments have been agreed between North Macedonia and the EU, which will ensure your advancement to the next crucial step towards EU membership. This is a serious decision for North Macedonia," said the Polish Minister.

He referred to Poland's friendship, first with the 14,000 refugees it took after the Civil War in Greece and the aid given after the 1963 Skopje devastating earthquake.

"Today we are NATO allies, we cooperate closely within the OSCE Troika and we want you to join the EU as soon as possible. We will continue to support North Macedonia on its EU membership path, not only politically but also through important projects," said Szynkowski.

According to him, Europe is currently facing the most serious challenge to its security architecture after World War II as a result of the unprovoked Russian aggression in Ukraine.

"It is important to note that we are working together with North Macedonia in the support to Ukraine and the fight against the negative effects of the Russian aggression. North Macedonia has proved itself as a reliable ally, with which we share the same values," said Szynkowski and added that the joint visit is a sign of France, Germany and Poland's commitment to North Macedonia's future in the EU.

Photo: Secretariat for European Affairs