Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed his disappointment in the European Union’s handling of the Western Balkans, particularly North Macedonia. Orban stated that Brussels made a “historical mistake” by hindering North Macedonia’s progress towards EU membership while allowing Albania to advance. He emphasized the importance of protecting national interests and ideals during a press conference with Macedonian counterpart Hristijan Mickoski in Ohrid.
Orban, who currently holds the EU presidency, highlighted the need for stability in the Western Balkans and urged for their inclusion in the EU. He criticized the sidelining of Western Balkan countries in EU membership negotiations and stressed the importance of keeping their membership on the agenda. Orban also offered Hungary’s assistance in mediating the dispute between North Macedonia and Bulgaria.
Mickoski urged North Macedonia to continue working towards EU membership despite setbacks in negotiations with Bulgaria. Both countries had reached an agreement in July 2022 to amend the Macedonian constitution, but a lack of political will has stalled their accession process.