Charge d’Affaires Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm statement for MRT on
North Macedonia’s opening of accession talks with the EU this year
June 19, 209
MRT: Have you noticed that we did not get a date for opening EU accession negotiations. Can you comment on that?
Charge d’Affaires: Sure. As you know, we are not a voting member of the European Union. However, the U.S. Government strongly believes that North Macedonia deserves a date to open accession talks at the soonest opportunity. We took note of the statement out of the meeting yesterday, and we are encouraged that the European Union will make a decision on North Macedonia’s opening of accession talks this year. We think that North Macedonia has really made some great strides – reforms, rule of law, governance, and in stabilizing regional relationships – the Prespa Agreement, the friendship agreement with Bulgaria. EU accession for North Macedonia will only contribute to the stability of the region and progress and opportunities for the people of the region.