The essence of the integration process in the European Union is the fulfillment of the Copenhagen criteria and Europeanization in all spheres of society. Regardless of whether it is small or large states, the Western Balkans, like the entire Balkans, has always historically, culturally and logically belonged to Europe and should find its place inside – believes President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.
– I agree that the so-called Western Balkans must not be skipped because the essence of the Copenhagen criteria is Europeanization in all areas, starting with the rule of law, the separation of powers, respect for human rights, a liberal economy and the ability to fulfill obligations to the European Union. It is not enough to be encouraged for decades – said the Macedonian president in response to a journalist’s question at the joint press conference with his Slovak colleague Peter Pellegrini.
After the growth plan and after the action plans that we adopted, as she said, the EU really started walking together towards us through Copenhagen to Brussels, reported MIA.
– I think that is the right way. Regardless of whether they are small or large states, the Western Balkans, like the entire Balkans, has always historically, culturally and logically belonged to Europe and should find its place inside. I emphasize that the entire Western Balkans together do not represent a problem for the absorption capacity of the European Union. Second, by integrating into the EU, the Union will be closer to Europe. Third, the phenomenon of fragmentation, the so-called balkanization. Fourth, the artificial East-West division will be put to an end – said Siljanovska-Davkova.
He believes that the EU, which has been urging us to put an end to the socialist and communist systems and return to the liberal line, will really deserve that support and round out as needed.
– Therefore, we really expect understanding, and not encouraging the use of the veto in connection with clusters and chapters, as the president also said, meritocratically, according to merits – that is the essence of the European Union. We will enter when we resemble those who are already members of Europe. My last sentence: I often say that I am tired of living in an “exotic” country – I want to live in a boring European country. The boring European state is based on principles and values. That is what we should be judged on – said President Siljanovska-Davkova.
She is on an official visit to Slovakia, where she was received today with the highest state and military honors. Then they held a face-to-face meeting with their Slovak colleague Peter Pellegrini, which was followed by a plenary meeting of the Macedonian and Slovak delegations.
The focus of the talks was the assessment and improvement of bilateral relations, with an emphasis on political cooperation, our marathon European integration and Slovak support in the process. The subject of the dialogue were also: economic cooperation, trade exchange and investments, as well as the possibilities for strengthened partnership in energy, infrastructure, tourism and innovations.
The interlocutors exchanged opinions on the current security and geopolitical situation in Europe, cooperation within NATO, as well as the need for stability and a clear European perspective of the region.
Within the framework of the official visit, the President is scheduled to meet with the President of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Rihard Raši, as well as with the Vice-President of the Government of the Slovak Republic and Minister of Defense, Robert Kalinjak.
