Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán paid an official visit to North Macedonia on Thursday and Friday, where he held bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Speaker of the North Macedonian Parliament Afrim Gashi, and Timotej, Metropolitan of the Debar-Kičevo Diocese. He also led the Hungarian delegation at the Hungarian–North Macedonian Government Summit.
The visit took place at a time when the EU’s Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER) has decided to block accession negotiations with North Macedonia until the Bulgarian minority is included in the country’s constitution. Orbán remarked that the nations and countries of the Western Balkans deserve better treatment from Brussels and stressed that these countries should already be part of the European Union.
The Hungarian PM stressed that North Macedonia’s accession was the most important topic of the joint government meeting. ‘The position of Hungary holding the EU Presidency this semester, is well known: the stability of the entire Western Balkan region and its integration into the European space is not only in Hungary’s interest, but also in that of the entire European Union,’ he stated.
‘Enlargement is not a problem or a challenge, but rather a significant opportunity for the countries already within the EU. The European Union has lost its economic dynamism, and enlargement is one of the most effective means of restoring it,’ he argued. ‘The Hungarian Presidency considers it of utmost importance to keep the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU on the agenda,’ he continued, adding that Hungary is committed to accelerating North Macedonia’s integration process. To this end, Orbán proposed holding a chapter-opening intergovernmental conference or, if that is not feasible, a political intergovernmental conference.
‘The European Union has lost its economic dynamism, and enlargement is one of the most effective means of restoring it’
Following the joint government meeting, Orbán underscored the importance of North Macedonia in ensuring Hungary’s security. ‘North Macedonia is a key country for Hungarian security, as it lies along the route of illegal migration,’ he stated.
Discussing bilateral cooperation, the Hungarian PM recalled the assistance Hungary provided to North Macedonia over the summer to help combat the severe forest fires. This support, he noted, was in reciprocation for the help Hungary received from North Macedonia, particularly during 2015–2016, in the fight against illegal migration. It was during this period that Hungarians came to realize that North Macedonia is not only a friendly and welcoming nation, but also a critical partner in ensuring Hungarian security, given its location along the migration route. ‘If you do not protect your borders, we are forced to confront this issue at the Serbian–Hungarian border,’ he stated, pledging full support to the North Macedonian government as needed.
He also noted that 2,400 Hungarian police officers had recently been deployed to North Macedonia’s southern border, successfully preventing 17,000 illegal border crossings. ‘This demonstrates Hungary’s willingness to cooperate financially and to consider extending a loan to North Macedonia—if Skopje requires it—as an investment in Hungary’s own security,’ he stated, extending an offer for economic cooperation.
‘Hungary is a prime example of how strong bilateral relations and shared visions can yield tangible results,’ stated Hristijan Mickoski, Prime Minister of North Macedonia. He pointed out that Hungary has consistently supported North Macedonia, even in the most challenging times, particularly in its efforts toward European integration. ‘For instance, Hungary was among the first countries to recognise the Macedonian people’s aspiration for independence and has been a steadfast advocate for EU enlargement, including North Macedonia’s accession. We also share Hungary’s vision of a united Balkans, where all countries in the region are part of the European family,’ he explained.
‘Hungary is a prime example of how strong bilateral relations and shared visions can yield tangible results’
Mickoski added that during his one-on-one meeting with Viktor Orbán they discussed a range of topics related not only to bilateral relations but also to regional dynamics. ‘We share a common vision for the stability and economic development of the region, and we also explored concrete projects that will foster the growth of our communities and businesses—such as infrastructure projects that will connect the Balkans with Hungary, which are crucial for the energy security and economic development of the entire region.’
The North Macedonian PM expressed his confidence that the summit between the Hungarian and North Macedonian governments would contribute to building an even stronger partnership and open up new opportunities for cooperation. ‘It is reassuring to have friends within the European Union, and one of those friends is Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán,’ Mickoski remarked.
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