Macedonia implemented a number of reforms, some of which were really painful. That is why we believe that Macedonia deserves to open negotiations as soon as possible. We would like this to happen during the Portuguese presidency – to hold the first intergovernmental conference, i.e. the formal start of accession negotiations, said the Croatian Ambassador to Macedonia Nives Tiganj in an interview with MIA.
Tiganj told MIA that Croatia encourages and supports the dialogue between North Macedonia and Bulgaria to find a solution. She adds that it is necessary to continue the reform process, with the consensus of all political forces in the country.
“It is very important, because such an approach confirms your country’s commitment to your strategic goal, which is membership in the European Union. Croatia also had a bilateral obstacle on its European integration path, so I must say that we absolutely had a political consensus, all political entities in the country had a clear goal and clear determination for membership in the European Union,” said the Croatian ambassador.
Croatian Ambassador Tiganj also underlined that the European perspective of the region is unquestionable and that the EU is committed to the enlargement policy of the Western Balkans.
“The Republic of Croatia generally supports the process of European integration of North Macedonia. Macedonia implemented a number of reforms, some of which were really painful. That is why we believe that Macedonia deserves to open negotiations as soon as possible. We expect that to happen. We would like this to happen during the Portuguese presidency, to hold the first intergovernmental conference, i.e. the formal start of accession negotiations.
Croatia expects, encourages and supports the continuation of the dialogue with your eastern neighbor Bulgaria, in order to find a compromise solution. We also encourage the continuation of all reform processes, with the consensus of all political forces in the country. This is very important, because such an approach confirms your country’s commitment to your strategic goal, which is membership in the European Union”, said the ambassador.