Since the UK voted to leave the European Union, I am often asked the same question by the people I meet overseas: What does this mean for my country? Every time my answer is the same, the UK will be leaving the European Union, but we are not leaving Europe.
On my first visit to Macedonia, I want to take this message with me. Our commitment to the Western Balkans is unwavering. The Foreign Secretary has made this clear during his recent visit, as did the Prime Minister during her Global Britain speech. Now I’m here to reinforce that commitment.
I understand that my visit comes at a particularly crucial moment in Macedonian politics as your political parties work to form a government. I know that your recent elections were inconclusive. On no account will the UK interfere in what are your affairs, not ours. I am coming to Macedonia to hear from the leaders of all of your political parties and to set out one clear and simple message: the UK is a great friend of Macedonia and we will continue to support any Macedonian government to bring about essential reforms.
Every country is different and the policies and actions taken by the Macedonian Government are for the people of Macedonia to decide. We care deeply about the democratic values shared by both of our countries and we will continue to support Macedonia to be a stable, secure and prosperous partner. You have chosen NATO and EU membership as the best strategic path for the country, and I am very much in agreement. The EU and NATO accession path is fundamental for Macedonia’s stability, security and prosperity.
Overcoming the barriers to membership will require determination, political resolve and no doubt some very difficult decisions. It will require Macedonia’s politicians to rise above the differences that have created the current political crisis, and focus instead on democracy and the necessary reforms required to take the country forward. These reforms are crucial to create jobs and growth.
Democracy can’t exist without transparency and such openness is not intended to threaten or undermine politicians and public officials. Rather, it helps us act as representatives of our people. It is also true that you cannot embrace democratic values without a vibrant and vigilant civil society and a judicial system that is independent of political influence.
During my visit I look forward to hearing views from political leaders and civil society. I hope they will be open about the challenges they face and I am confident we will have genuine, progressive discussions about what we can do together to overcome them.
I know that I can only meet a tiny fraction of society during my visit. So I’d like to ask you to add to my understanding by responding with your thoughts. Let me know how you would describe your country today – and what you would change if you could.