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Mickoski from Brussels: We have long deserved to be in the EU, but we are not part of it due to artificial reasons

by AI | 18.Dec 2025 | Europe in brief AI

We expect that bilateral issues will not be our obstacle, but on the contrary, we expect support from our neighbors in this ambition of ours to be part of the European Union. And what is most important is that we are evaluated according to achievements, and not according to bilateral issues, added Prime Minister Mickoski.

Doorstep statement by the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski at the EU–Western Balkans Summit. Photo: European Council.

Brussels – It is good when the Western Balkans are in the focus of the European Union and this is encouraging for the citizens of the region as well, because in this way the interest in our common future is shown, stated tonight Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski upon his arrival at the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Brussels.

The Western Balkans, the Prime Minister pointed out, geographically belong to Europe and it is logical for them to be integrated within the European Union. – We as a country deserved that a long time ago, because our path began 25 years ago, but due to, I would say, artificial reasons we still cannot be part of the European family, Mickoski emphasized.

He stressed that the state and the Government commit to deliver everything that is necessary in the EU accession process, but not because of the process itself, but, above all, because of the Macedonian citizens, because they deserve it.

– This is how we have worked so far, and this is how we will continue in the future. We expect that bilateral issues will not be our obstacle, but on the contrary, from our neighbors we expect support in this ambition of ours to be part of the European Union. And what is most important is to be assessed according to achievements, and not according to bilateral issues, added Prime Minister Mickoski.

At the Summit, the leaders of the member states of the Union and of the Western Balkan countries are discussing their mutual strategic partnership, the gradual integration of the region into the EU, the Growth Plan, as well as foreign affairs, security and defense.

As stated in the announcement of the gathering, the Summit represents an opportunity to demonstrate and confirm the strength of the strategic relationship between the Union and the region and of the benefits it brings to the citizens. (17 December 2025)