Mucunski: We aim for gradual EU integration alongside reforms for membership with equal rights

North Macedonia’s foreign minister, Timço Mucunski, said the government is working toward gradual integration into the European Union while continuing to implement the reforms needed for membership with equal rights.

He said that although North Macedonia does not yet have the roadmaps Brussels is reportedly preparing for four candidate countries, the government is focusing on security. The document, announced by the European Commission, is expected to make gradual integration possible. Speaking about the issue, Mucunski said the mechanism could bring significant EU benefits to citizens and the economy before full membership, while a long-term solution is also being sought to unblock the country’s European path.

The process is also expected to receive a boost from the upcoming visit by European Commission President von der Leyen. North Macedonian authorities expect their meetings with her to firmly confirm the country’s inclusion in the second phase of the growth plan and convey the message that Brussels supports progress on reforms in the region. To implement the plan, the government is seeking deeper engagement from European institutions. Mucunski said EU institutions and several influential member states are willing to mediate and provide guarantees that the process will be predictable, without new and unforeseen conditions.

He added that European institutions have expressed a desire to help the country renew its mutual commitment.

“Our positions are public and, at this point, there is no doubt. There are no conditions for constitutional amendments because of the way Bulgaria is positioning itself,” Mucunski said.

While the 26 member states are asking only for constitutional amendments, Sofia continues to put forward other demands, mainly concerning historical issues. Nevertheless, the diplomatic channel remains open. Although no bilateral meeting took place in New York, Mucunski announced that he would travel to Sofia next week and discuss unblocking the bilateral dispute directly with his counterpart from Bukhara.

The foreign minister stressed that the government would not abandon the talks, but emphasized that the negotiations must not, under any circumstances, put national identity at risk./Telegrafi/