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“The road to membership is not easy, so my message today is to stay on the course and to take next steps necessary towards the opening of the negotiations," Kallas said. “North Macedonia faces era-defining choices for its citizens and its future.�

Key among those steps is a constitutional amendment to formally recognize a Bulgarian minority — a condition set by EU neighbor Bulgaria to lift its veto of North Macedonian membership. The issue has become a political flashpoint in North Macedonia, where the conservative government insists that EU accession should not be affected by bilateral disputes.

Although the European Union has not accepted any new members since Croatia's accession in 2013, the war in Ukraine and concerns for broader European stability have refocused efforts to advance membership bids.

“The integration of the Western Balkans into the EU is the best recipe for peace and security,� Kallas said. “We are ready to support North Macedonia in strengthening the rule of law, fighting corruption, and modernizing public administration.�

North Macedonia and Albania began membership talks with the EU in 2022 after years of delays, largely driven by Bulgaria’s veto over cultural and historical disagreements with Skopje. Albania has since moved ahead in the process.

Mickoski reiterated his position that Bulgaria must first approve North Macedonia’s membership before any constitutional change.

“We belong in the EU not because someone owes it to us, but because we’ve built a democracy based on European values,� the prime minister. “We expect fair treatment and consistent leadership from the Union.�

Kallas’ visit to Skopje was part of a broader two-day tour of the Western Balkans. Six regional countries are at various stages of EU accession. Montenegro and Albania lead the process, while Bosnia, Kosovo, Serbia, and North Macedonia lag behind.