Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has expressed strong support for North Macedonia's bid to join the European Union. During a meeting in Berlin with her North Macedonian counterpart, Timo Mucunski, Baerbock emphasized Germany's commitment to aiding North Macedonia on its path to EU membership. She highlighted the country's significant steps, including resolving the long-standing name dispute with Greece by changing its name in 2019. This move facilitated North Macedonia's NATO accession in 2020.
Baerbock praised North Macedonia for aligning its foreign and security policies with the EU. The country's EU accession talks officially began in July 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, progress has been stalled by Bulgaria's demand for constitutional recognition of the Bulgarian minority in North Macedonia. Baerbock noted that this constitutional amendment is the final hurdle before opening the first negotiation chapters with the EU.
Despite being an EU candidate since 2005, North Macedonia's journey has been prolonged. Baerbock acknowledged the patience of the younger generation, who have long awaited EU membership. She also pointed out that the country must still address judicial reforms and combat corruption, areas where Germany is ready to offer support.
The Berlin Process summit, attended by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, focused on regional cooperation and integration. An action plan for a common regional market was launched to strengthen the economies of the Western Balkans. The EU's commitment to expanding its membership to include Western Balkan countries remains a priority, as emphasized by both Scholz and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
