The “View of a Common Future: North Macedonia’s Accession Process and EU-Turkey Relations” panel was organized by the International Balkan University (IBU), operating in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia.
North Macedonia Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani, Turkey’s Ambassador to Skopje Fatih Ulusoy, ambassadors accredited in the country, representatives of Turkish institutions and organizations in the country, academicians and students attended the panel held on IBU’s campus.
In his speech here, Minister Murtezani said that his country’s commitment to the accession process is based on the vision of an inclusive and prosperous future, united by common goals and mutual respect.
Emphasizing that today North Macedonia stands out as a partner fully committed to the joint effort to ensure stability and harmony in the entire region, Murtezani said, “We have now entered a critical phase of addressing the opening criteria on the rule of law and basic principles for the first cluster. We have also entered the critical phase of judicial reforms.” “He also highlighted road maps addressing minority rights and public administration reforms.” he said.
Noting that he was honored to appreciate the partnership they share with Turkey, Murtezani said, “Although Turkey’s accession process faces significant challenges, its support for the goals of North Macedonia emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation in our joint efforts towards stability and progress in the Western Balkans.” he said.
“Türkiye is an integral part of the Balkans”
Ambassador Ulusoy also pointed out that the EU has taken historic steps in its expansion policy since the war in Ukraine.
Emphasizing that the ten enlargement countries should be treated equally, Ulusoy said, “However, artificial divisions in the EU’s expansion policy such as the Western Balkans and different approaches towards this purpose are not useful. Turkey, itself a Balkan country, is not a rival or foreign power intervening in the region.” “Turkey is an integral part of the Balkans and wants to give new strength to the EU as a future member.” he said.
Stating that they support all initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Balkans, Ulusoy said, “In this context, we value the Berlin Process, although we were not included due to an artificial distinction between Turkey and the rest of the Balkans.” he said.
Stating that Turkey has strong relations and an exemplary position with each of the Balkan countries, Ulusoy pointed out that thanks to this special position, Turkey can talk constructively with all parties in the Balkans, regardless of ethnic and religious origin.
In his speech, Andras Klein, the Ambassador of Hungary in Skopje, which is the country that holds the Term Presidency of the EU Council, gave information about his country’s perspective on the EU enlargement process in general and Hungary’s term presidency.
Stating that after the start of the Russia-Ukraine War in February 2022, many European politicians stated that it was time for the EU to think geopolitically, Klein said, “At that time, I remember being quite optimistic as a diplomat. Now we are in November 2024 and we have seen ourselves in recent years.” “If we ask what is important happening in the field of expansion, there is only one honest answer and that is ‘not much’.” made his assessment.
Stating that the reason for this is difficult and complex, Klein stated that reasons such as lack of political decision-making in the EU and illegal immigration can be mentioned among the reasons.
The panel continued with two sessions
IBU Rector Prof. Dr. Lütfi Sunar pointed out the importance of meeting at such an important event and said, “For both North Macedonia and Turkey, the European Union has long symbolized promise, progress and shared ideals. For North Macedonia, EU membership means actively contributing to a peaceful and prosperous Europe.” For Turkey, with its deep-rooted history, dynamic society and strategic importance, the EU is an opportunity to deepen its long-standing ties with the continent and strengthen its role as a stabilizing force in a turbulent geopolitical landscape. offers.” he said.
Following the opening speeches, the panel continued with the sessions “The revival of European integration in the Balkans and Turkey’s role as a stabilizing factor” and “The impact of the EU on Turkey-North Macedonia relations” with the participation of different academics.
