Slovakia backs North Macedonia's EU bid, warns against double standards for candidates

Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanár reaffirmed his country's strong support for North Macedonia's European Union membership process during a joint press conference with his North Macedonian counterpart, Timčo Mucunski, in Skopje.

Blanár said no double standards should be applied among candidate countries and that the EU must send a clear message that membership is a realistic goal for the region. Otherwise, he warned, disappointment among candidates will grow and the region risks being lost. Citing Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, he said Slovakia could not accept different criteria for different states.

Blanár noted that commitments made at the 2004 Thessaloniki Summit have not been fulfilled, and said North Macedonia could count on Slovakia's support. He described the country as a successful example in implementing the EU's Growth Plan and said its government is committed to reforms and European integration.