The European Union on Tuesday signed a new political framework for dialogue and co-operation on security and defence issues with North Macedonia and Albania.
The bloc said in a statement:
“This new political framework establishes a platform for enhanced dialogue and co-operation on security and defence issues, reflecting the determination of both Parties to work together to address shared security challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.”
The agreement was signed by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and North Macedonian Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski.
The statement said the newly adopted Security and Defence Partnership builds on a solid foundation and paves the way for enhanced co-operation in key areas, including crisis management, support to Ukraine, countering hybrid threats, cyber security, capacity building and training, counter-terrorism and external aspects of integrated border management. Borrell said:
“We mark a milestone in our strategic co-operation – the strategic co-operation between the European Union and North Macedonia, and the Western Balkans as a whole.”
He said the agreement is not “just a declaration but a tangible step forward towards a safer and more integrated Europe. We know what a safer Europe means these days.”
The Security and Defence Partnership is expected to benefit EU, Albanian and North Macedonian citizens, contributing to peace, stability and security.
In September, the EU decided to allocate 13 million euros ($13.77 million) to the army of the Republic of North Macedonia and another 13 million euros to the armed forces of Albania.
North Macedonia became a candidate for EU accession in 2005 and Albania in 2014. However, since 2020, Bulgarian authorities have blocked North Macedonia’s path to European Union membership talks due to historical and language issues. Negotiations on the countries’ accession to the union started from July 2022.
