Macedonian President Urges Fair Unblocking of EU Negotiations Amid Political Tensions

Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova has urged for understanding and a "fair unblocking of the process" regarding North Macedonia's negotiations with the EU. Speaking from the UN podium, she expressed concerns following the EU's decision to commence negotiations with Albania while sidelining North Macedonia. "As a peaceful nation committed to good neighborliness and regional cooperation, we expect understanding from our neighbors, free from the threat of a veto, as such measures often lead to injustice," she stated, as reported by nezavisen.mk. Siljanovska emphasized that the veto had become a hindrance to European integration and warned that it not only demotivates citizens but also destabilizes the region.

In response to Brussels' division of Albania and North Macedonia regarding EU membership, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski asserted that the EU's decision did not represent a failure on his part. He reiterated that constitutional changes to include Bulgarians as a nation-building entity were dictated by Bulgaria. "If this is the condition, no thanks!" Mickoski declared, insisting that Skopje expects Sofia to ratify the accession protocol before any constitutional amendments are made.

The opposition criticized Mickoski for the country's failure and isolation, demanding accountability and a clear strategy for moving forward. This comes at a time when Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is visiting Skopje, with Hungary currently holding the EU Council presidency and having proposed Albania's negotiation agenda. Mickoski acknowledged that the decision from Brussels was anticipated, as he had previously communicated it during meetings with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.

Venko...