Mickoski: Our place in Europe must be built with reforms and national dignity

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said today that North Macedonia must build its place in Europe through reforms, knowledge, strong institutions and a preserved national dignity. He warned that the path to EU membership requires wisdom and unity despite long waits, conditionalities and bilateral disputes.

Inherited problems and responsibility

Mickoski stressed it is equally important to consider the direction in which the country is moving and to be aware of the consequences of the past and unresolved issues left by previous political elites.

“Since I assumed this position, everyone talks about wishes, about where we could be, but few speak about the mountains we carry and the problems we inherited. And those problems did not arrive at once, but were passed down and very little addressed in the past. Because there was no honesty and fair approach. And very often the political elites, especially the previous ones, would forget and weigh on a scale matters that are not for sale, but are part of our code and of what we are,” Mickoski said.

He urged officials and citizens to prioritize institutional reform and knowledge-building as practical tools for advancing toward the European Union, rather than relying solely on rhetoric about future possibilities.

Mickoski also emphasised that the Macedonian name, language, culture and historical memory form part of the national identity and the heritage that must be transmitted to future generations.

He framed the debate over EU integration as one that requires both clear domestic reform and protection of national symbols, arguing that long-standing bilateral issues and conditions should not undermine the country’s sense of self.

Photo: press material from the event