Skopje, 16 November 2023 (MIA) – The Western Balkans belong in the European Union. This means that the Union’s enlargement must accelerate and real negotiations with North Macedonia should begin immediately, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Péter Szijjártó, at Thursday’s joint press conference with Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani in Skopje.

At the press conference, the Hungarian Foreign Minister said the European Union faces serious challenges “considering the war on the Eurasian continent”.

“The EU is seriously weakened. The question is how we can slow down the weakening. I think the first step is to recognize that the Union needs the Western Balkans. It should be admitted that the EU needs the fresh energy that is coming from the Western Balkans, and for enlargement to immediately accelerate with North Macedonia. The real negotiations must begin immediately, and be led until their completion, so that North Macedonia can become an EU member as soon as possible,” said Szijjártó.

Szijjártó also noted there are countries that are obstructing and slowing down the process.

“North Macedonia has been a candidate country for almost 18 years. It has had a candidate status for 18 years and cannot begin negotiations, this demonstrates disrespect for the country. This is contradictory to the EU’s interests. Those who are blocking the beginning of the negotiations should know they are undermining the credibility of the EU as well,” added Szijjártó.

According to the Hungarian Foreign Minister, once Hungary takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, it will do everything in its power to enable the accession of North Macedonia and the entire Western Balkans.

Asked about the negotiations with the Republic of Albania, Szijjártó said they support the European integration of Albania as well.

“Regarding the European integration of Albania, we support it and I believe that Albania deserves to begin real accession negotiations. When we assume the rotating presidency of the European Union, I expect that this issue will be firmly on our agenda,” said Szijjártó.

Additionally, the Hungarian Foreign Minister stated that with FM Osmani he discussed Bulgaria’s decision to increase transit taxes for natural gas, and underlined that the decision represents is a “hostile step”.

“The recent move taken by Bulgaria, which raised the expenses for Hungary, Serbia, and North Macedonia through an ultimatum, i.e., the transit taxes on natural gas, is a hostile step. We will take additional steps and actions regarding this situation. We have initiated an infringement procedure against Bulgaria, and today together with Osmani we agreed that the Government of North Macedonia and the Hungarian Government will consult each other and continue to coordinate over future steps, in order to ensure that the energy security of none of our countries is threatened by Bulgaria’s actions,” added Szijjártó.

On this issue, Foreign Minister Osmani added that it represents an “illegally imposed tax” which is contrary to European rules, and harms North Macedonia’s economy at a critical time.

“We informed the European Commission and discussed a possible coordinated approach regarding initiatives aiming to remove this illegally imposed tax,” added Osmani.

According to Osmani, last week’s EC Report notes that North Macedonia hasn’t fallen behind the other countries in the process, and is on a solid level of general readiness.

“Next year Hungary will hold the EU Presidency and I expect it will firmly support our Euro-integration, as it has done so far, and that’s why we should all be united around the European idea and ensure that after so many years of waiting, there won’t be a hold-up in the EU accession process at a time when it is accelerating due to geopolitical circumstances,” said Osmani.

Osmani added that the Union aims to carry out the first transfer of funds to North Macedonia and the other Western Balkan countries by March 2024.

The Foreign Minister also highlighted North Macedonia’s friendly relations with Hungary, noting that next year marks 30 years since the two countries established diplomatic relations.

“Our countries have close, friendly relations. Hungary is the tenth-largest trade partner of our country and eighth-biggest foreign investor. These positive statistics make us optimistic over an even brighter future between our two countries which are set to celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations next year, and we are looking forward to the establishment of deeper bonds through this important friendship in the years to come,” added Osmani.

Photo: MIA