PM Orbán highlighted that North Macedonia has been waiting since 2005 when it was granted candidate status alongside Croatia. However, while Croatia has long been an EU member, North Macedonia has been unjustly left behind. "This is a historic mistake on the part of the EU," PM Orbán stated, warning that it could worsen if Albania begins its negotiations sooner than North Macedonia without any moral or political justification.
Hungary, holding the EU presidency this semester, sees the integration of the Western Balkans as essential for the stability of the region and the entire European Union. "The enlargement is not a problem or a challenge, but a huge opportunity for the countries already in the EU," PM Orbán asserted, pointing out that the Union has lost its economic dynamism and enlargement could be a solution to recover this momentum.
Prime Minister Orbán was particularly critical of how the EU has handled the accession process. "We are not happy that Ukraine and Moldova were fast-tracked for geopolitical reasons, while a merit-based approach has taken a backseat," he remarked, underscoring that countries like North Macedonia, which have worked diligently toward EU membership, should not be pushed aside. To remedy the situation, PM Orbán proposed a new intergovernmental conference to accelerate the process.
Beyond EU integration, PM Orbán reflected on the strong bilateral ties between Hungary and North Macedonia. He pointed out Hungary’s contribution to North Macedonia’s border protection, especially during the migration crisis, saying, "If you [North Macedonia] do not protect your borders, we will have to fight this battle at the Serbian-Hungarian border." He recalled that over 2,400 Hungarian officers have served at North Macedonia’s southern border, preventing around 17,000 illegal border crossings. This, he argued, is why Hungary is committed to financial cooperation with North Macedonia, considering any potential loans as "an investment in Hungary's security."
Migration was a key topic in PM Orbán’s discussions, as he warned that Europe must face long-term migration challenges. "Migration is not something that can be taken off the agenda," he said, adding that the demographic imbalance between the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean will continue to drive migration. "If we don’t help the countries of the Sahel region, hundreds of millions will reach the Mediterranean," PM Orbán warned, noting that cooperation on migration with countries like North Macedonia is a necessity for Europe’s security for the next several decades.
PM Orbán concluded by stressing the need for strategic alliances, particularly with North Macedonia and Serbia, to protect Europe's borders and cultural identity. "If we want to preserve our nations, our cultural identity—including Christianity—we must defend ourselves and find partners like North Macedonia," he said, adding that this cooperation is vital for Europe’s future stability.