FM Criticizes Brussels for Hampering EU Enlargement in Western Balkans

Skopje: P©ter Szijj¡rt³, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, expressed strong disapproval over the actions of Brussels and several western EU member states, accusing them of consistently obstructing the enlargement of the European Union in the Western Balkans, while simultaneously seeking to expedite Ukraine’s accession despite its current challenges.

According to About Hungary, Minister Szijj¡rt³, during talks with North Macedonian counterpart Timco Mucunski, emphasized that the ongoing armed conflicts in and around Europe are presenting significant security and economic challenges for the continent, thereby increasing the importance of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans. He stated that this enlargement would bring substantial economic and security benefits, and criticized Brussels and the western member states for hindering the process.

Minister Szijj¡rt³ pointed out that while there is public support for enlargement from Brussels and several western EU member states, the Western Balkan countries have been waiting for EU membership for an average of over 15 years. He criticized the fast-tracking of Ukraine’s accession, stating that it was more problematic compared to the accession of the more prepared and developed Western Balkan countries.

The Hungarian minister also reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to supporting the Western Balkan states in their bid to join the EU. He stressed that North Macedonia, in particular, is ready for membership and called for the initiation of meaningful talks. Additionally, Hungary and North Macedonia signed agreements to continue a scholarship scheme and to involve Hungarian businesses in developing North Macedonia’s transport, energy, and telecommunications infrastructure.

Minister Szijj¡rt³ also addressed the issue of Bulgaria openly blocking North Macedonia’s EU integration, noting that this was not the sole reason for the lack of progress over the past two decades. He highlighted that EU enlargement in the Western Balkans is only supported by a minority of member states, despite public statements to the contrary.

He concluded by noting that during Hungary’s presidency of the Council of the EU last year, efforts to advance the integration of the Western Balkan countries repeatedly faced obstacles set up by countries that publicly claimed to support enlargement.