Lajcak urges North Macedonia to unite for EU membership or risk losing the chance
- The inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Area will take effect on January 1, 2025, removing internal border checks.
- Juraj Blanár highlighted the significant challenges the Schengen Area faces, including migration pressures and the protection of external borders.
- Economic cooperation efforts, particularly between North Macedonia and Slovenia, focus on simplifying employment procedures and enhancing worker protections.
Bratislava has witnessed significant political developments with the inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Area, effective from January 1, 2025. Slovak Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanár expressed that this decision is a historic moment supported over many years by Slovakia as it marks a crucial step in enhancing free movement within the European Union. The decision will lead to the removal of internal border checks, benefiting residents by enabling easier travel to these two additional European countries. Despite this advancement, Blanár also addressed the remaining challenges facing the Schengen Area, particularly in light of ongoing migration pressures. He noted that historically, some member states have imposed and extended border checks, which undermine the initial purpose of Schengen. Blanár emphasized the need for collective efforts to restore and uphold the function of Schengen in response to these migration crises, pointing out Bulgaria and Romania's commitments to protect their external borders and combat illegal migration effectively. In parallel, discussions on labor market cooperation have progressed, especially between North Macedonia and Slovenia. They are working on facilitating employment mediation through bilateral agreements, focusing on simplified procedures while protecting workers' rights. This cooperation underscores the significance of economic partnerships in the region, especially considering the natural migration trends towards EU countries. The ongoing exchange of communication between these nations signifies a shared commitment to mutual development and labor market integration. Miroslav Lajčák, the EU’s special representative for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and regional Western Balkans issues, stressed the importance of EU membership for North Macedonia. He urged the country to seize the moment of current geopolitical opportunities for enlargement, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing common interests over party politics. Given the volatility of global politics, he cautioned that potential openings for EU expansion might be fleeting. Lajčák's remarks echo a broader sentiment regarding unity and cooperation among EU member states as they navigate external challenges.