Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto criticized Brussels and several Western EU member states during a visit to Skopje on Monday, saying their continued obstruction of the EU enlargement process for the Western Balkans is unacceptable.

He pointed out the double standard, noting that the same countries are eager to speed up Ukraine’s EU accession despite its far more difficult internal situation.

“Armed conflicts in and around Europe pose serious security and economic challenges for the continent, which makes EU expansion into the Western Balkans even more critical,” Szijjarto stated after his meeting with North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister, Timco Mucunski, as reported by MTI.

Szijjarto noted that Western Balkan nations have been waiting to join the EU for an average of over 15 years.

He argued that granting Ukraine membership could cause “serious complications and damage,” while integrating the Western Balkans would “clearly enhance the EU’s economic and security landscape.”

“For that reason, Hungary will continue to provide full support to the countries of the Western Balkans in their efforts to join the EU as soon as possible,” Szijjarto added.

As part of their meeting, Hungary and North Macedonia signed an agreement to extend a scholarship program under which Hungary annually provides scholarships for 20 students from North Macedonia.

The two countries also signed a broad intergovernmental strategic agreement outlining Hungary’s involvement in developing North Macedonia’s transportation, energy, and telecommunications infrastructure.