Check against delivery! 

Today, I’m signing this Security and Defence Partnership. We mark a milestone in our strategic cooperation – the strategic cooperation between the European Union and North Macedonia, and the Western Balkans as a whole.  

This is not just a declaration – it is a tangible step forward to a safer and more integrated Europe.  

We know what it does mean, these days, a safer Europe.  

This agreement underscores our shared commitment to advance our cooperation and move towards a gradual integration of North Macedonia even before it is a full member of the European Union. 

I would like to recall the step-by-step, sequential, progressive integration.  

North Macedonia is already fully aligned with the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, a powerful demonstration of shared values and dedication to a common European future.  

Likewise, the continued contributions to our CSDP (Common Security and Defence Policy) missions and operations, namely your contribution to operation EUFOR Althea, constitutes a clear sign of engagement towards the European Union in the area of security and defence. 

During my last visit to Skopje, I had the honour of meeting your brave soldiers who served in European Union missions around the world. I truly appreciated the value of your contribution. 

The European Union is recognising the value of your cooperation with us. We are providing our resources through the European Peace Facility in order to increase the equipment of your armed forces with non-lethal equipment.  

I firmly underline the European Union’s commitment to continue supporting the Western Balkans in the area of Common Foreign and Security Policy, to provide additional support to North Macedonia, and to take forward its future in the European Union. 

I congratulate you and I congratulate myself for this step. I thank you for coming here, and participating in this signature. 

Link to the video: https://newsroom.consilium.europa.eu/events/20241119-eu-hr-borrell-meets-mfa-of-north-macedonia 

Link to the press release: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/north-macedonia-new-security-and-defence-partnership-eu-strengthen-capabilities-and-cooperation_en