The accession to EU membership should be merit-based, but in our case, sadly but truly, that is nowhere near the case, Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said Thursday in Washington. He adds that, on this path, Macedonia is facing and dealing with so-called bilateral issues and is unable to move forward, despite, as he said, delivering on everything when it comes to the merit-based EU accession process.
Mickoski made these remarks during an address at the Atlantic Council, where he outlined the Government’s strategic priorities, relations with the United States, Macedonia’s regional standing, European integration, and plans for developing infrastructure, the energy sector, and high-tech industries.
The PM noted that the strategic partnership with the U.S. has been built over decades and affirmed the Government’s determination to deepen it further. He highlighted that Macedonia’s geostrategic location in the heart of the Balkans offers opportunities for the country to become a key transport and energy hub.
Addressing the U integration issue, the Prime Minister pointed out that Macedonia has been on the path toward Europe for over two decades and has made numerous concessions in the interest of its European prospects. He argued that the process needs to be more predictable and based on the implementation of reforms and the merits of candidate countries, rather than the constant introduction of new bilateral conditions.
PM Mickoski also stated that the Government would continue its reforms, the strengthening of the rule of law, attracting foreign investments, and developing high-tech industry, regardless of the pace of the EU integration process.
