In an interview with Euronews, the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia, Timcho Mucunski, stated that President Trump’s comments on NATO have raised questions about the country’s commitment to the Alliance. Despite this, Mucunski believes that under Trump’s leadership, NATO is stronger than ever. He praised the US’s role in strengthening the Alliance at a historic summit.
Mucunski emphasized the importance of NATO’s defense spending commitments, especially in light of threats from Russia, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East. He credited Trump for sending a clear message to NATO and expressed confidence in the Alliance’s strength.
The upcoming NATO meeting, scheduled for July in Ankara, will review the progress made in the past year. Mucunski’s positive remarks about NATO directly contrast with the tense relationship Trump has had with European allies, including accusations of insufficient defense spending and threats to withdraw troops.
Regarding North Macedonia’s EU membership aspirations, Mucunski highlighted the obstacles posed by Bulgaria over issues like language and identity recognition. Despite challenges, Mucunski remains optimistic about North Macedonia’s Western orientation and commitment to EU integration.
While acknowledging the influence of Russia and China in the region, Mucunski reiterated North Macedonia’s pro-European stance and resilience in the face of external pressures. He emphasized the need to address hybrid threats and maintain trust in Western values.
Although a stalemate exists in North Macedonia’s EU accession process, Mucunski reaffirmed the country’s pro-EU sentiments. A survey conducted in January 2026 showed strong support for EU membership among citizens, but doubts linger about the actual progress towards accession. Mucunski stressed the importance of proving to citizens that the EU’s door is still open and encouraging continued cooperation with EU member states.
