Macedonia has long deserved membership in the European Union, but political obstacles continue to delay its accession process, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said Thursday at the Berlin Process Summit in Montenegro.
Speaking ahead of the summit in Sveti Stefan, Mickoski described Macedonia’s European integration process as complicated.
He argued that the country had already demonstrated its commitment to joining the European Union.
However, he said what he called “artificial reasons” continue to prevent progress.
“Macedonia’s case is very complex. We deserved to be part of the EU long ago,” Mickoski said.
He added that the country had still not been able to begin the next stage of accession negotiations.
Mickoski Calls for Progress on Macedonia EU Membership
Mickoski said he expected strong messages from European leaders about the Western Balkans’ future in the European Union.
The prime minister emphasized that his government remains committed to the EU reform agenda.
He also pledged to continue implementing policies aimed at advancing Macedonia’s European integration.
Mickoski said his government would continue working toward EU membership despite the obstacles.
Macedonia has been an EU candidate country since 2005.
The country formally opened accession negotiations in July 2022. However, further progress has remained blocked by political disagreements and outstanding conditions.
Mickoski’s remarks reflect his government’s dissatisfaction with the pace of the process.
The prime minister also said he hoped the summit would produce concrete results for the region.
Western Balkan Leaders Meet in Montenegro
The Berlin Process Summit brings together Western Balkan leaders and European partners to discuss regional cooperation and EU integration.
This year’s gathering takes place in Sveti Stefan, Montenegro.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is attending alongside leaders from the Western Balkans.
Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and Merz are scheduled to open the summit.
Discussions will focus on economic cooperation, regional security and accelerating the Western Balkans’ European integration.
The summit also marks the conclusion of Montenegro’s presidency of the Berlin Process.
Mickoski addressed broader international challenges ahead of the meeting.
He cited Russia’s war in Ukraine, the conflict involving Iran, financial market instability and protests across Europe.
The prime minister described the current international environment as exceptionally difficult.
He said governments must work together to address these challenges, particularly in Europe.
Mickoski expressed hope that discussions in Montenegro would lead to meaningful progress.
For Macedonia, he emphasized that EU membership remains a central government objective despite the continued political obstacles.
