Timcho Mucunski: EU accession should transform society, not national identity

Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski opened the conference "European Dialogues, European Heritage and Future" in Skopje, a gathering that runs until 2 October and brings together more than 70 young researchers, activists and students from Europe and the Western Balkans. The event was organised by the French Institute in Paris together with the French Institute in Skopje and the Embassy of France in North Macedonia.

At the opening, Mucunski argued that the EU enlargement of the Western Balkans is not only an investment in regional stability but a strategic investment in Europe's security and future. He underlined the central place of youth in shaping that future.

He said: "The accession process should transform our society, strengthen our institutions and create more opportunities for our citizens. It must not transform our national identity."

European perspective must remain credible, he added

Mucunski also insisted that the EU perspective must stay credible, predictable and merit-based, with candidate countries advancing according to reforms and the fulfilment of European criteria.

French Ambassador Christophe Le Rigoller, who helped launch the series of "European Dialogues" that began in 2023, said the conference in Skopje closes a programme strand of "Shared Horizons" initiated by France in 2024. He stressed that Europe is an ongoing collective project, built not only through institutions and policies but through shared experiences, ideas and solidarity. The opening took place at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Skopje, alongside an exhibition titled "Solidarity as Future." The conference programme will focus on shared European heritage, civic movements and visions for the EU's future.

Photo: MIA