For the Republic of Macedonia, it is exceptionally important that the European Union invests maximum efforts to assure unity in terms of the migration crisis, as well as a comprehensive response to it. At the meeting, Macedonia offered solutions based on its own experience.

This was pointed out by the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, following the extraordinary Summit of the Vishegrad Group countries (V4) held in Prague.

- As Macedonia, we wish to be part of the overall security system of the European continent because we really do need to put the accent on the security aspect of this migration crisis – an aspect that was quite neglected by the European Council. However, not they need to tackle all security-related challenges, having in mind that there are activities by individuals who take advantage of the corridor in order to reach certain destinations where they are already planning activities similar to those that we saw in the past - stated President Ivanov, adding that the regulation of the migration flow, i.e. the control of entry in and exit from the country, will allow for an insight in every aspect of the crisis, including the security one.

He added that the situation in the field is changing by the hour, and that the Army and Police of the republic of Macedonia, together with foreign police forces, including ones from the V4 states, are fully dedicated to the control and channeling of the movement of migrants, thus reducing security risks in the areas affected by the crisis.

- Macedonia, as a candidate country, is expected to bear the burden that many bigger and economically more powerful Member States of the Union are unable or unwilling to bear. Macedonia, as a candidate country, is expected to act more responsibly than some member states of the Union. We are not running away from this obligation. However, in order to bear that burden, we are asking for guarantees by the European Union in terms of political, security and economic support. We request and expect a solution by the European Council in which Greece will have its share, because we have no interest in placing the entire burden on Greece – however, we will not allow the realization of unilateral decisions that will be to our detriment, President Ivanov stated.

He added that Macedonia stands by the requests and proposals presented at the extraordinary Summit in Brussels on October 25 last year.

- We stand by the requests that we presented back in October to the European Council, and that have not been realized yet. We are still asking for biometric data collection equipment, access to the Schengen and Frontex databases, the deployment of Frontex units at the border in order to register in Macedonia all of the persons who have not been registered in Greece – all of this for the benefit of all Union Member States, stated President Ivanov.

He called upon the EU to show solidarity to the candidate countries for membership, as well as to the Vishegrad Group, and to urgently help these countries in order for them to be able to help the Union in return, but also to help Europe as a continent.