Macedonia insists on European path as only viable option for future
- Zhivko Popov discussed the foreign policy challenges facing Macedonia at the MANU Annual Assembly.
- He emphasized the critical role of EU integration and overcoming disputes with neighboring countries.
- Popov concluded that the European path is Macedonia's only true and realistic option.
On March 28, 2025, during the Regular Annual Assembly of the Academy, Zhivko Popov, the president of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts (MANU), addressed the importance of Macedonia's foreign policy and its Euro-integration process. He highlighted that the country's Euro-integration is hindered by irrational disputes with neighboring countries, particularly Bulgaria. However, he expressed optimism regarding the improvement of relations with the U.S. administration under President Trump, which may aid in resolving these bilateral disputes. Popov underlined that for Macedonia, establishing closer ties with the European Union is paramount, as it remains a highly developed economic and political community able to facilitate adherence to standards and values that benefit the country. He reiterated that the EU recognizes that its expansion would be incomplete without the integration of the Western Balkans, stressing the necessity of prioritizing this issue. This perspective dovetails with recent statements made by the President of Slovakia, Peter Pellegrini, who visited Albania on the same day. Pellegrini vocalized that Slovakia firmly supports Albania's EU integration efforts and stated that the EU project cannot reach its full potential without including the Western Balkan countries. He further expressed confidence that Albania could close all accession chapters by 2027, hoping for a decision regarding Albania's EU membership by 2030. Pellegrini criticized the prolonged accession process and emphasized Slovakia's commitment to assisting Albania in its journey toward the EU, denouncing the idea of a double approach toward candidate countries. This situation highlights the collective efforts and shared sentiments among Western Balkan leaders to achieve integration into the EU, fortifying the belief that the region's advancement is intrinsically linked to EU support. The historical visit of the Slovak President to Albania, and the discussions held, signify important cooperation not only between Slovakia and Albania but also within the broader narrative of the region's political and diplomatic alignment towards Europe.