Mickoski expects strong messages on Western Balkans EU integration

North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said ahead of the Berlin Process Summit in Sveti Stefan, Montenegro, that he expects comprehensive talks and concrete results on the European Union integration of the Western Balkans. Saying that North Macedonia has long deserved EU membership, Mickoski stated: "For some artificial reasons, we still cannot start negotiations."

Mickoski said he would stress his government's commitment to the EU reform agenda and European integration at the summit, and that his government would continue working in that direction. Referring to global developments, he said the war in Ukraine, the conflict involving Iran, a financial market crisis and protests across Europe point to a challenging period. He added that Europe must develop joint solutions to deal with these problems.

The summit, which Chancellor Friedrich Merz will also attend, will address regional economic cooperation, security and accelerating the EU membership process. According to the German government, economic growth, competitiveness and security form the core agenda. Montenegro, which holds the presidency, has also made the green and sustainable transition a priority. The Berlin Process, launched in 2014 on Germany's initiative, aims to strengthen regional cooperation among Western Balkan countries and accelerate their integration with Europe.