WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.),and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) led the introduction of a resolution affirming the United States’ support for the Republic of North Macedonia’s European Union (EU) Accession. The Senators highlighted the strength of the transatlantic relationship between the United States, the Republic of North Macedonia and Europe.  

“The Republic of North Macedonia’s accession to the European Union would reinforce regional stability in the Western Balkans, promote European cohesion, and further reject Russian malign influence in the region and beyond. North Macedonia’s further advancement in the accession process marks an important milestone for a country that has already taken significant steps in that journey. North Macedonia continues to demonstrate a commitment to democratic reforms, the rule of law, and the transatlantic partnership. I’m confident that North Macedonia’s EU membership will bring increased opportunities for exchanges of business and commerce as well as additional coordination between the Vermont National Guard and the Army of North Macedonia,” said Senator Welch. 

“I’m proud to cosponsor this bipartisan resolution, which reaffirms that North Macedonia’s future is with the European family. After welcoming North Macedonia to NATO in 2020, it’s past time we get to work to help our ally meet all the benchmarks needed to achieve EU membership. After visiting North Macedonia with Senator Welch in October, we meet with North Macedonian officials and recognize the progress made on their reform agenda. The U.S. should continue to work with our North Macedonian partners to make European Union enlargement become a reality,” said Senator Shaheen. 

“North Macedonia is a valuable strategic partner and a key ally of the United States in the Balkans,” said Senator Tillis. “North Macedonia strengthened the NATO alliance when it joined in 2020, and its accession to the European Union will reinforce economic success and growth across Europe. I am proud to support this resolution, which reaffirms the United States’ steadfast support for North Macedonia’s accession to the EU.”   

In October, Senator Welch joined Senator Shaheen on a congressional delegation to North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where they conveyed continued U.S. support for the Balkans. Senators Shaheen and Welch delivered remarks at the Sarajevo Security Conference recognizing America’s shared goal with the Western Balkans in continued collaboration toward enduring regional security, stability, and prosperity. 

Read the full text of the resolution. 

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