“Macedonia del Norte chooses to align with the United States as ‘strategic partner'”

In February, in a context of a complex geopolitical dynamic in Europe, northern Macedonia refused to participate in two UN resolutions that condemned Russian aggression in Ukraine, a decision that reflects the country’s alignment with its main ally, United States, said Minister of Foreign Affairs of the country in an interview with Euronews.

“In this specific situation, as there was no alignment in the context of foreign policy and the common security of the European Union, we opted for a vote according to that of our strategic partner, United States,” said Mucunski, adding: “This means that we support Ukraine and support the need to protect the integrity of Ukraine and territorial sovereignty.”

Mucunski justified the position of the North Macedonia that emphasizes the crucial role of the White House in the current negotiations of Alto El Fuego, simultaneously recognizing the sovereignty of Ukraine. “We completely support the process carried out by the Trump administration, the Rubio Secretary, as well as the full team, and that aims to find a peaceful solution as soon as possible. In my opinion, the United States has extremely capable diplomats,” said Mucunski. “In the end, Ukraine is a sovereign nation that must make decisions on his own,” he concluded.

Despite the commitment to maintain strong ties with the United States, Mucunski said that northern Macedonia is still aligned with European objectives. The minister said that Macedonia’s foreign policy of the North has three main constants and variables that he seeks to defend himself. “One of them is the total alignment with the foreign policy of the EU and common security. The second is our adhesion to NATO. And the third is our strategic association. We have a formal strategic association with the United States,” he said.

Macedonia adhesion from the EU: 20 years later

20 years ago, Macedonia del Norte requested adhesion to the EU and obtained the state of a candidate country, but the case stagnated due to disputes with Bulgaria in a constitutional amendment.

“If we are sure that there are institutional guarantees and that Bulgaria, as a neighboring country, will comply with the same rules as us with respect to the protection of minority rights, especially in relation to the Macedonia minority in Bulgaria, so the important thing is not constitutional changes, but to find a way to continue,” said Mucunski.

However, Mucunski has required clear answers: “Is this the last task? Is there a guarantee that if these constitutional changes are introduced, there will be no veto six months or a year later due to bilateral problems?” Skopje also faces new tensions with Greece due to the country’s name, and some ministers refuse to include the “north” prefix, despite the conclusion of the Prespaa agreement, which ended a three decades dispute over the name of the country. “I can never say that I am satisfied with the Presefa Agreement, which I think is beneficial, or that it is fair to change the name of a nation, especially in the 21st century,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and added: “But in the end, as a foreign minister and as a lawyer, I understand the principle of Servenda de Patta, which is that the agreements should be completed, especially in public law, especially in public law, especially in public law, especially in public law, especially in public law, especially in public law, especially in public law, especially”

Fight the growing influence of Russia in the Balkans

Mucunski emphasized the importance of expanding the EU, namely, counteracting the growing influence of Russia in the Balkans. “I think that the extension is necessary for many reasons, but from the point of view of security, one of the main reasons is the reduction of Russia’s pernicious influence in our region,” he said. “Russian influence, especially in Balkans, is cheap, and know how to use it.”

In addition to bilateral problems with Greece and Bulgaria, the European Commission also indicates obstacles to the beginning of adhesion negotiations, low progress with the reinforcement of the independence of the judicial system and serious concerns about corruption.