Von der Leyen: North Macedonia needs only one decision to open the first cluster

During her visit to Skopje, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Brussels was focusing on unblocking North Macedonia’s path toward the European Union. She announced that a new step to advance the process was expected to be taken next week.

Von der Leyen said that, despite the fact that North Macedonia had not been included in the roadmaps the EU is preparing for several candidate countries, the most urgent issue was to set the integration process in motion again.

“We have agreed to take a new first step next week and work on unblocking the process,” she said.

According to the European Commission president, overcoming the current obstacle would give the country the opportunity to move forward quickly, as the Macedonian authorities have already implemented a significant part of the reforms.

She also spoke about North Macedonia’s benefits from the Growth Plan, stressing that the country has so far received 140 million euros. Von der Leyen added that further payments were expected in the coming weeks.

“My message is clear: You belong at the table of the European Union,” she said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.

The European Commission president cited the Prespa Agreement as an example, describing it as a difficult political decision that paved North Macedonia’s way toward NATO membership. She also praised Skopje’s cooperation with the EU in the security and defense sector.

Von der Leyen recalled that accession negotiations began in 2022 and that the screening process was completed in less than a year. According to her, what is now needed is “a key step” toward opening the first cluster, known as “Fundamentals.”

“I understand how sensitive this issue is, but I want to make it clear: we will welcome North Macedonia with its identity and language. We believe that Macedonian culture and language can enrich our Union,” Von der Leyen said.