Marta Kos, a member of the European Union (EU) commission, said that the union was built on differences.
A joint press conference was held at the EU and Western Balkans Leaders’ Meeting in Skopje, Kos and Northern Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.
“Evaluate this window of opportunity, the geopolitical environment has changed and we see a real commitment to expanding in EU capitals,” Marta Kos said in his speech here. he said.
Referring to the closer of the Western Balkan countries to the EU, KOS said that if the intense reform studies and legal arrangements are made, free circulation can be achieved between the Western Balkan countries as of January 1, 2026.
Kos thanked the Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama for his invitation to be in his own country and said, “I am looking forward to the next leaders’ meeting in autumn.” he said.
Referring to the membership process of Northern Macedonia and bilateral problems with his neighbor Bulgaria, Kos said:
“The situation for the European Commission is clear. If the Northern Macedonian constitution changes and fulfills it, this is not an easy thing, then the inter -government conference should be started, no other political decisions or conditions should not be. EU membership is the best way to protect the identity, culture and language of the Macedonians, because the EU has been built on differences.”
“We do not accept any imposition under the European process mask”
Northern Macedonian Prime Minister Mickoski thanked the European Commission for his support for the EU on his way and said that they would make a decision on the implementation of reforms in the country.
“The steps we take on the way to Europe are taken with the open heart and open mind, by accepting European values, but we are against blackmails that do not belong to these values. We do not accept any imposition under the European process mask.” He said.
Prime Minister Mickoski also stressed that the Western Balkans should approach the EU not only with words, reforms, concrete consequences and an integration of citizens’ daily life.
