North Macedonia President: Western Balkans significantly ahead of Ukraine, Moldova in EU path

The President of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, asserted that the Western Balkans region is considerably more advanced than Ukraine and Moldova in the process of European Union integration. Speaking after a celebration for the Day of Advocacy at the Bar Association of North Macedonia, she expressed deep empathy for Ukraine and Moldova but maintained her assessment of the Western Balkans' progress.

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I have deep feelings and understanding for Ukraine, as well as for Moldova, but I cannot help but say that the Western Balkans are much ahead of them. The screening shows this.

Siljanovska Davkova described the hurdles North Macedonia encounters on its path toward EU membership as "irrational." She called for a focus on fulfilling the EU's "Copenhagen criteria," which are the basic standards for any country wishing to join the bloc. These criteria include having a stable democracy, functioning market economy, and the ability to take on the obligations of membership.

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The obstacles that North Macedonia faces on the path of European integration are 'irrational'.

"The European Union must find mechanisms that will prevent the blocking of enlargement due to identity and historical reasons," Siljanovska Davkova stated, according to the MIA agency. Her remarks highlight ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding the EU's enlargement policy, particularly concerning the accession processes of both established candidate countries in the Western Balkans and newer applicants like Ukraine and Moldova.

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The European Union must find mechanisms that will prevent the blocking of enlargement due to identity and historical reasons.