- Building alliances is a matter of long-term state interest. The strengthening of relations with Croatia, as well as the wider support that the country receives from like-minded countries in Europe, should also be seen in that direction. If this network expands, Macedonia could find itself in a more favorable position, with more partners that understand its arguments and commitments. That is why Macedonian diplomacy should continue to deepen ties with countries that have common interests. The more common interests there are, the stronger and more sustainable the support will be at key moments
The European Union has been going through a process of political and geostrategic restructuring for a long time, within which the traditional centers of power find it increasingly difficult to reach a consensus on key issues, so the member states are increasingly grouped in regional alliances, through which they present their own priorities more effectively. The announcement of the expansion of the Visegrad Group from four to eight members is another indicator of the unifying tendencies of the Old Continent. If Croatia, Austria, Slovenia and Romania join the existing group consisting of Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Europe would get a new influential Central European bloc that will have significantly more political weight in decision-making processes.
In that context, the recently formalized strategic partnership between Macedonia and Croatia, with which the relations between Skopje and Zagreb enter a new deeper phase of political, economic and security cooperation, is of particular importance. Such association could represent an opportunity for Macedonian views and positions to receive wider attention in Brussels, because if Croatia becomes part of a wider Central European bloc, its support for Macedonia will no longer be just bilateral but could be transformed into a wider European initiative supported by several countries.
In a situation where Macedonia is facing a standstill in the European integration process and with additional bilateral conditions, the support from Croatia has a special weight because it has relatively recently passed the path to full membership in the European Union and is well aware of the mechanisms, procedures and political challenges that the accession process brings. An additional value of this partnership is the fact that Macedonia and Croatia have no open historical or political disputes that would burden mutual cooperation. Zagreb can credibly and without reservations represent the Macedonian positions in the European institutions. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic’s statements that it is unfair that Macedonia has been facing roadblocks on its European path for more than two decades are a clear signal that Croatia is ready to support the country more actively.
It is noticeable that Macedonia shows proactivity and creativity in the European integration process, offering different solutions, even outside the usual frameworks, as well as ways to reach an agreement that would satisfy all parties. On the other hand, the European Union maintains its position that constitutional amendments are a key prerequisite for progress, which was once again confirmed during the visit of the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, to Skopje.
In such circumstances, one cannot ignore the behind-the-scenes diplomatic activities within European frameworks, through which regional actors have been trying for years to present Macedonia as a problematic element that creates tensions or insufficiently fulfills the undertaken obligations. Regardless of the different interpretations of these processes, the fact is that perception in international politics is of great importance. This is precisely why Macedonia must not leave the diplomatic initiative to others, but must actively affirm its own positions, achievements in the implementation of reforms and a constructive approach to cooperation.
Therefore, building alliances is a matter of long-term state interest. The strengthening of relations with Croatia, as well as the wider support that the country receives from like-minded countries in Europe, should also be seen in that direction. If this network expands, Macedonia could find itself in a more favorable position, with more partners that understand its arguments and commitments. Macedonian diplomacy should therefore continue to deepen ties with countries that have common interests. The more common interests there are, the stronger and more sustainable the support will be at key moments.
It is certain that in the emerging European reality, success will not only depend on how strongly we defend our own positions, but also on how wisely we choose our allies. Macedonia today has the opportunity to simultaneously strengthen its institutions and build a network of European allies. In such a combination with carefully chosen alliances and active diplomacy lies the real chance for progress.
