President Milanović in Skopje: Don’t Fall Victim to Blackmail Over EU Membership
“This is not a treaty; it is a document that was signed by three defense ministers. From the perspective of Croatian domestic and constitutional law, it does not meet the criteria to be considered an international treaty, but rather a statement of intent, without concrete material consequences under international law,” said President Zoran Milanović in Skopje today, responding to a journalist’s question about the recently signed military cooperation document between Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo.
President Milanović explained that this represents political cooperation and reflects Croatia’s foreign policy orientation. He added, “There is one NATO member, Croatia, then Albania, which is also a NATO member, and the third country is Kosovo, which is dear and friendly to us, although several EU and NATO members have yet to recognize it. If I were representing North Macedonia, I wouldn’t even consider it.”
“As President of the Republic, I did not participate in the preparation or adoption of this document, nor did my associates. However, as President and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces, I support it nonetheless,” said President Milanović. He added that “neighbouring countries have no issue with this, nor should they.” Regarding potential participation by North Macedonia in this alliance, he stated, “North Macedonia is in NATO, and that is enough.”
President Milanović is currently on an official visit to North Macedonia. Following a meeting with President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, he expressed full support for the country’s European path, emphasizing the importance of independent decision-making free from external pressure.
“Follow your own path, because only you can decide what truly matters to you. Do not be victims of any blackmail or extortion when it comes to your EU membership,” President Milanović stated, underlining that Croatia does not see North Macedonia as a “special case,” but rather as an equal partner with the full right to make independent decisions.
Referring to North Macedonia’s NATO membership, he stressed that this status provides a high level of security. “North Macedonia is a NATO member and, as such, enjoys the level of security NATO offers – and that is real, good, and worthwhile.”
The President reiterated that Croatia remains committed to ongoing dialogue and providing concrete support to North Macedonia on the international stage. Responding to a journalist’s question about whether Croatia could assist North Macedonia in its EU accession, President Milanović said that Croatia has reason to be satisfied with some aspects of its own integration, particularly the European funds it receives. However, he noted that very little of this funding is invested in projects that enhance competitiveness or increase exports to North Macedonia. Instead, the funds are largely directed toward communal and public infrastructure, not directly into profit-generating activities.
“On the one hand, Croatia has attracted certain funds, just like all countries before it – we are no exception. However, the real question is the competitiveness of the Croatian economy and what we have lost. Over the past thirty years, we have lost the ability to produce, organize, and complete the cycle of bringing goods to market – we no longer know how to do that. We’ve lost our shipbuilding and construction industries, and not just us – some major European countries have as well. I want the people of North Macedonia to hear this: be cautious and, where possible, be selfish. Because all the talk about a great and happy world and a bright future will ultimately boil down to the import and export of goods whose capital base lies elsewhere,” President Milanović concluded.
During his official stay in North Macedonia, President Milanović also met with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.
PHOTO: Office of the President of Republic of Croatia / Dario Andrišek