Why North Macedonia Should Join the EU Next and Why it Matters
Please join the McCain Institute for a discussion on the current situation facing North Macedonia and its relationship with the EU and NATO
As the European Union seeks to expand into Ukraine and Moldova, the Western Balkans is the next frontier in European Integration. Of these, North Macedonia is the newest member of the NATO Alliance but has not been granted a date to start the accession talks with the EU.
North Macedonia is already a target of hostile disinformation campaigns, coming mostly from Russia and other third actors, which will further melt down the popular support in North Macedonia for joining the EU and create instability in the South-Eastern flank of NATO.
Why should North Macedonia be the next official candidate for European accession and why does it matter to the Western Balkans and Europe? Are there any other alternatives such as regional initiatives like Open Balkan? Is it possible to integrate in the EU common market without being a member of the EU? What should be the priorities for future cooperation according to the U.S.-North Macedonia Strategic dialogue?
Speakers:
Deputy Prime Minister Bojan Marichic
Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs of North Macedonia
Ambassador Kate Marie Byrnes
U.S. Ambassador to North Macedonia
Dr. Evelyn Farkas
Executive Director, McCain Institute
Moderator:
Paul Fagan
Human Rights and Democracy Programs Director, McCain Institute