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Skopje – It is necessary to react wisely and timely, said the president of MANU Zhivko Popov in the presentation at the Regular Annual Assembly of the Academy, referring to the country’s foreign policy and its positioning in the new political constellation in the world.
He pointed out that the perspective of the country’s Euro-integration processes is “completely blocked by the irrational dispute with our neighbors” and that it is “very positive and should not be overlooked” that there is “significant improvement in our relations with the American administration led by President Trump.”
– This instills hope in most of the Macedonian people that they can receive certain support in resolving the bilateral dispute with Bulgaria and in improving relations with Brussels. The Republic of Macedonia cannot be spared the consequences of the war in Ukraine and it must find its safe place in the world, and the diplomatic efforts of the Government, to make the country supported by more strategic partners, which can only benefit the state, testify to this. In such a situation, it is necessary to react wisely and timely. The European path, however, is our only true and realistic option because we are Europeans first and foremost, said the president of MANU.
Popov emphasized that the European Union is aware that the European continent will never be complete without the Western Balkans, and therefore the expansion of the EU once again becomes a priority that we must not miss. – We need the EU as a highly developed economic and political community that can help us reach its standards and values, Popov said, adding that the European path of the Western Balkans “is once again being tested and at a crossroads despite the clear will and desire of almost all surrounding neighboring countries.”
– The promised year is now 2030, and therefore reforms are necessary despite the growing Euroscepticism due to the inconsistent behavior of the EU and the frequent dissonance of Brussels and some European capitals, with the rapid admission offered to Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and others contrasting with the decades-long preparations and painful reforms of the Western Balkan countries. Things are changing globally from day to day, from hour to hour. Macedonia is a small and poor country, divided in many ways, and must react in time, while at the same time maintaining a certain neutrality; certainly, things do not depend on it. I believe that we have done too much, sacrificed too much, and beyond this, the Euro-Atlantic process loses all meaning, emphasized Popov in the presentation. (March 26, 2025)