The current circumstances are an ‘awakening moment for Europe’, ‘a moment to reinvigorate the enlargement process in order to anchor the Western Balkans firmly to the EU. We need to start formal accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania as soon as possible’, High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell stated in Skopje on 14 March, at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski.

His trip in the region came as the invasion of Ukraine entered the 17^th day, resulting in over 2,400 civilian casualties only in Mariupol and at least 2.6 million Ukrainians fleeing their country – the biggest movement of people after WWII.

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Borrell thanked the government of North Macedonia for condemning clearly the Russian aggression and for its firm support to Ukraine - its decision to fully align with all EU’s declarations and restrictive measures on Russia clearly demonstrated its commitment to EU values. ‘Putin’s war is not only about Ukraine. It is about the respect for international law and principles. It is about the security and stability of our European continent. It affects all of us in economic and political terms – it affects you, it affects the EU, it affects the world balances. We have to talk with the future members of the EU, as you are. We have to speak, to talk, to raise our voice and to act together’, said Borrell.

The HR/VP and PM Kovachevski discussed how the EU can best help the country and the region to deal with the consequences of the war and increase their resilience, also through stepping up cooperation in fighting disinformation. Also, the EU is working on integrating better and involving more the region in its initiatives to address the economic impact of the war.

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Borrell showed understanding for the disappointment in the country due to the delay in the start of the EU accession talks. He encouraged North Macedonia and Bulgaria to quickly find a mutually acceptable solution to the remaining bilateral issues, stressing that the enlargement cannot be jeopardised or conditioned by bilateral issues. In parallel, work on reforms in the country in key areas, including rule of law, digital transformation and the green agenda, will ensure rapid progress when negotiations will be launched. ‘You ask me, can you promise a date? No, I can promise a will. And if there is a will, it will be a way’, said the HR/VP (see full remarks here).

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During his visit, Borrell also held meetings with President Stevo Pendarovski, Deputy Prime Minister Bojan Marichikj, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani, Minister of Defence Slavjanka Petrovska. In the parliament, he met Speaker Talat Xhaferi and representatives of the parliamentary political parties.

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The HR/VP wrapped up his visit with a meeting with youth and civil society representatives, who presented their contribution to the ongoing Conference on the Future of Europe.

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