North Macedonian Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski Meets with Hungarian Officials
Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, recently made a statement in Budapest regarding Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union. Szijjártó emphasized that despite intense pressure from the EU, having Ukraine join before the Western Balkans countries is “out of the question.” He argued that Ukraine’s membership would have negative economic and security implications for the bloc, unlike the potential benefits of the Western Balkans countries joining.
Szijjártó also pointed out that Ukraine is not in a better state of preparedness than the Western Balkans countries, making it illogical for them to be made to wait. He stated that the Hungarian people would express their view on this issue in a referendum.
Furthermore, Szijjártó criticized the EU’s double standards in the case of North Macedonia, a candidate country for twenty years. He highlighted how certain EU governments continuously block North Macedonia’s integration progress, without facing accusations of undermining European unity or serving Russian interests.
On a different note, Szijjártó expressed solidarity with North Macedonia following a recent nightclub fire in Kocani that claimed the lives of several young people. Hungary stands by North Macedonia during this tragic time and has offered medical treatment to six injured individuals in Budapest, with the possibility of more assistance if needed.
Additionally, Hungary and North Macedonia have recently agreed to collaborate on infrastructure development programs, offering significant opportunities for Hungarian businesses. The two foreign ministries are working on an intergovernmental agreement to facilitate this cooperation.
Overall, Szijjártó’s statements shed light on the complexities of EU accession talks and highlight the importance of solidarity and cooperation in times of tragedy.
