North Macedonia’s President Stevo Pendarovski has strongly criticized the delays in the European Union’s enlargement process, stating that they are eroding trust in the bloc and posing a threat to democracy in the Western Balkans.
Speaking at the United States-Adriatic Charter (A-5) conference in Skopje, which focused on regional stability and bolstering awareness and readiness for collective defense against major threats, Pendarovski underscored the urgency of expediting the integration of Western Balkan countries into the European Union.
“Regrettably, the protracted process of European integration, for various reasons, is essentially shaking the European Union’s credibility across nearly all Western Balkan nations. The sluggish pace of integration into the EU represents one of the perils to democracy in the Balkans. Some public opinion surveys indicate diminishing support for Western-oriented organizations and nations, and for the first time in three decades, there is a growing endorsement of other regional entities and alternative governance models,” Pendarovski emphasized during the September 27 conference held by the United States European Command and the chiefs of armies of the Adriatic Charter (A-5) member states.
According to Pendarovski, the slow progress in European integration carries the risk of hybrid threats and regional instability.
The conference also addressed Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, expressing unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
General Christopher Cavoli, the Commander of the United States European Command, stressed that Russia’s occupation of Ukraine underscores the significance of collective security and territorial integrity.
“All the nations present here have substantial cooperative programs and engage as partners and allies in the modernization of NATO under the concept of collective defense. Russia’s encroachment into Ukraine also serves as a reminder that we must diligently work towards stability each day. Recent developments in this region further highlight the need for all of us to contribute to stability on a daily basis,” General Cavoli remarked.
Participants at the conference jointly signed a declaration aimed at deepening mutual military cooperation and preserving and fortifying security in the region.
The United States-Adriatic Charter was established in 2003 by the United States with the aim of coordinating supportive initiatives for states aspiring to join NATO.
North Macedonia is a NATO member and has initiated negotiations for European Union membership.
