Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that it is very important to keep the European Union (EU) membership of the Western Balkan countries on the agenda and said, “The Western Balkans deserve much more than what they have received from Brussels so far. I would like to say that these countries should become EU members long ago.” he said.
North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski met with his Hungarian counterpart Orban in Ohrid, a city in the southwest of the country.
Leaders held a press conference after the bilateral meeting and joint cabinet meeting.
Prime Minister Orban said that it is very important for a people to protect national interests, ideals and national pride.
Noting that they discussed the issue of Northern Macedonia’s membership in the union in today’s talks, as Hungary presides over the EU, Orban emphasized that it is important for all Western Balkan countries to stabilize and join the EU.
Orban stated that it is very important to keep the EU membership of the Western Balkan countries on the agenda and said, “The Western Balkans deserve much more than what they have received from Brussels so far. I would like to say that these countries should become EU members long ago.” he said.
Stating that he made a suggestion to Mickoski regarding the dispute between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, Orban emphasized that Hungary could mediate to find a suitable solution if the parties are willing.
“Not starting negotiations with North Macedonia is a historical mistake”
Reminding that North Macedonia has been a candidate for EU membership together with Croatia since 2005, Orban said, “Since then, Croatia has become a member of the EU, and negotiations with North Macedonia have not started yet. This is a huge mistake for the EU and makes it a historical one.” “I can describe it as a mistake.” he said.
Prime Minister Mickoski said that they will continue to work hard for his country’s EU membership process and solve the problems in the country.
Additionally, Mickoski noted that the separation of his country’s EU membership process from Albania pleased Bulgaria and the opposition in his country.
Pointing out that the people should not lose hope and not be disappointed, Mickoski said, “I wish the Albanian government success in the negotiations and I hope they will complete the negotiations and become a member of the EU as soon as possible. I hope we can be a part of that family and table one day.” he said.
According to the news in the regional media yesterday, as a result of pressure from Bulgaria, the membership processes of the EU candidate countries North Macedonia and Albania were separated and the first chapter in Albania’s EU accession negotiations will be opened on October 15.
It was stated that North Macedonia, which started accession negotiations with the EU by holding its first intergovernmental conference in 2022, cannot open a chapter with the EU without including the Bulgarians in the country in its Constitution.???????
