We are in the midst of two terrible wars that are besetting the world. The Russian aggression against Ukraine and the war in the Middle East.
In particular, regarding the war in the Middle East, hostilities continue to escalate and expand, despite the efforts made as regards the peace process.
Regarding Cyprus, threatening an EU Member State, its existence and sovereignty is unacceptable. We stand by Cyprus, which is currently facing a crude and cynical threat.
As regards the Western Balkans, which we will discuss today, Greece has always been the driving force for their integration into the European family.
We continue to support this perspective on the basis of the foreseen conditionality and the Member States' own merits.
In this context, I would like to emphasize that, particularly regarding North Macedonia, the country's state and political leadership has chosen, systematically and persistently, not to use the country's constitutional name in domestic public discourse.
This constitutes a flagrant violation of the Prespa Agreement, which stipulates the uniform use of the name North Macedonia both domestically and internationally.
Compliance with International Law and international treaties forms the foundation of global peace and security, and selective application of it is unacceptable.
Accession to the European Union can only be conceived with the full incorporation of the European acquis and full, unconditional compliance with International Law and international treaties.
June 24, 2024