Toshkovski calls for cooperation and concrete support to address migration

Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski spoke today at the opening of the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Prague Process on migration dialogue, which is being held today and tomorrow in Skopje with the participation of representatives of member states, international organizations, and partner institutions engaged in migration and asylum management.

In his address, Toshkovski stressed that migration should not be viewed as a distant political issue, but as a reality felt every day by states, institutions, and citizens.

He said that migration is seen at borders, in communities, and in people’s lives, adding that over the years Macedonia has understood that the proper management of this challenge requires continuous investment in human resources, improvements to border infrastructure, and close cooperation with neighboring countries and European agencies.

Speaking about the European Union’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum, the minister emphasized that its successful implementation is possible only if the Western Balkan countries are actively involved in the process of alignment and implementation of the new policies.

According to Toshkovski, the pact cannot have its full effect if it is implemented only within the European Union while the Western Balkan countries are left alone to face the consequences and difficulties. He called for real cooperation, sustainable financial support, operational assistance, and formal partnership mechanisms that would ensure the harmonization of legislation, the exchange of information, and joint activities.

The minister added that North Macedonia remains committed to modernizing border management, developing the concept of smart borders, strengthening training and information exchange with partner institutions, as well as protecting vulnerable categories of citizens and combating the smuggling of migrants.

Several thematic sessions are expected during the meeting, focusing on preparations for the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the Prague Process and the new 2028–2032 Action Plan, current migration policies in the region, as well as concrete measures and actions to address migration challenges.