Mucunski: We are committed to reforms, but we expect Brussels to fulfill what it promised to the Western Balkans

Warsaw – Within the European Union, we see a renewed spirit focused on the enlargement process, but what we need to see in practice is closing the gap that obviously exists at this moment between the created expectations and their realization, said today in Warsaw the Macedonian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski.

– What I can say, representing my country, is that we will be dedicated to reforms, we will be dedicated to aligning with EU legislation, we will be dedicated to the Reform Agenda that is an integral part of the Growth Plan, but at the end of the day, we expect Brussels, as well as the member states, to fulfill the very clear promise that was made to the Western Balkans many, many years ago, said Mucunski upon arriving at the informal meeting of the foreign ministers of the member states and candidate and potential candidate countries for membership in the Union being held in Warsaw. 

Mucunski emphasized that there is a need for commitment to enlargement in practice, but that the process of bilateralization of the accession process for the countries of the Western Balkans by many of the EU member states should also finally come to an end. 

– We are increasingly hearing about a clear perspective, which comes from the new Commission as well as from the member states, but now is the time not only for words but also for realization, Mucunski emphasized. 

He pointed out that this year represents a sobering jubilee for us – 20 years as a candidate country, which means that it has been 20 years since we started the membership negotiations. 

– If anyone has been treated, I would say, unfairly and with double standards, it is the country I represent here today, said Mucunski. 

According to him, in the current geopolitical moment, it is significant for candidate countries for EU membership to work together with member states in creating coherent and strategic perspectives for the challenges they face. 

– I think it is extremely important to note that I represent a candidate country that is 100 percent aligned with the common foreign and security policy, and I believe that the decisions we make are joint, just as the challenges we face are joint, Mucunski highlighted. 

He expressed satisfaction with the organization of today’s meeting in this format and expressed hope that the practice of such meetings will continue in the future. 

At the meeting, which was held in the form of a working lunch within the informal session of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), it is expected that the ministers will discuss the challenges of European foreign and security policy, with a special focus on building resilience to hybrid threats. (May 8, 2025)