"It is not only Bulgaria that is blocking North Macedonia on its path to the EU, but also the majority of member states. You have not been waiting for this for 20 years because the Bulgarians are against it. Don't get angry, but I have to say that the situation in this regard is more complicated. At this moment, EU member states are in the minority that support enlargement to the Western Balkans."

This was stated by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó during a visit to Skopje, BGNES reports.

Today, Macedonian Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski and his Hungarian counterpart Szijjártó signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement.

The Hungarian foreign minister pointed out that those who build walls are the same ones who, when they come to Skopje, say how much they support North Macedonia's membership in the EU.

BGNES reminds that it was precisely during the Hungarian presidency that North Macedonia was separated from Albania on the path to EU membership due to the refusal of the authorities in Skopje to comply with the negotiation framework.

Albania began independent negotiations for EU membership on September 26, 2024.

During the signing of the agreement today, Mucunski stressed that Skopje stands firm and will “survive” on the path to European integration, but that “prudence” is needed.

"For more than 20 years, we have been victims of bilateralism on our path. We must not allow ourselves to be trampled on and humiliated. The question was essentially whether Bulgaria wanted a meeting with us. Unfortunately, I cannot answer that. You will have to ask that question in Sofia. I can tell you what we are doing and what we expect. We want a meeting, talks, and communication because we believe that all neighbors should communicate constantly," said Timcho Mucunski. | BGNES