Mucunski: We believe that a rational solution can be found that will be acceptable to us

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Skopje – If there had been a more serious and sincere commitment to protecting Macedonian national interests by the previous government, we would not be in the position we are in today. This is because the European Union and its member states feel a sense of responsibility for what has been continuously done to us over the last 30 years, says the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mutsunski, in an interview for MKD.mk.

– Nevertheless, we act on principle, and everything we have promised in our program, we are realizing. We are not saying it will be easy, but we believe that a rational solution can be found that will be acceptable to us, he says.

On the topic of the bilateralization of the enlargement process, the minister emphasizes that there is increasingly open discussion in the EU about the negative consequences of this practice and adds that the security of the enlargement process is crucial. Regarding the challenges with Bulgaria, Mutsunski points out that dialogue will continue with goodwill to reach a compromise solution that will ensure predictability in our path towards the EU.

– If we bind ourselves with deadlines, we will undermine our positions. But that does not mean that this process should last indefinitely. We need to continue the dialogue as quickly as we can, which exists on different levels. That dialogue has never stopped. We need to find a solution because slowing down the enlargement process does not suit us, nor does it suit the EU member states, and least of all does it suit the entire region, considering the complexity that exists in it, says Mutsunski.

Regarding Euroscepticism, he says there is disappointment among a large part of our citizens about the EU’s attitude towards the enlargement process. – My perception, which is also reflected in public opinion polls, is that there is disappointment among a large part of our citizens about the EU’s attitude towards the enlargement process and towards all injustices. But at the same time, an overwhelming majority of citizens believe that our strategic priority should be joining the EU. In other words, to simplify that equation – even though the citizens are disappointed and have the right to be disappointed with the EU, still an overwhelming majority believe that the European future is the best thing for our country, emphasizes Mutsunski.

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