‘US leadership has made NATO stronger than ever,’ minister of North Macedonia tells Euronews

US Leadership Has Fortified NATO’s Position More Than Ever Before

US leadership has made NATO stronger – Despite criticisms from Donald Trump, the US president’s tenure has, according to North Macedonia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Timcho Mucunski, bolstered the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to its most robust state in history. In an interview for Euronews’ 12 Minutes With series, Mucunski highlighted the pivotal role of Trump’s administration in reinforcing the alliance’s strategic importance. While Trump’s remarks on NATO—particularly his focus on European allies’ defense spending—had sparked concerns about their dedication to collective security, Mucunski viewed these challenges as catalysts for strengthening the organization.

A Transformational Shift in NATO Dynamics

Mucunski emphasized that the Trump era has reshaped NATO’s trajectory. “The United States, under Trump’s leadership, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the broader foreign policy framework, has propelled NATO into a new era of resilience and purpose,” he stated. The minister pointed to the 2023 The Hague summit as a turning point, where member nations agreed to raise defense budgets to 5% of GDP by 2035. This commitment, he argued, reflects a renewed sense of urgency in the face of evolving threats.

“My view is that, thanks to President Trump, [Secretary of State Marco] Rubio, and the entire foreign policy apparatus of the United States, NATO is stronger than it has ever been,” Mucunski said.

He elaborated on the alliance’s expanded focus, noting that its strength lies in addressing not only Russian aggression in Ukraine but also potential threats from the Indo-Pacific and Middle East regions. “This is a very ambitious agenda, but also a very necessary one, considering the threat from Russian aggression against Ukraine, which remains active, and the growing risks in the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East,” he explained. Mucunski credited Trump with delivering a “wake-up call” that reinvigorated NATO’s purpose and cohesion.

While acknowledging that disputes between member states are inevitable, Mucunski stressed that the alliance’s foundation has been solidified under US guidance. “There will be disagreements, as there have always been, but the fundamentals of NATO have never been more secure,” he asserted. The upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, scheduled for July, will serve as an opportunity to assess the alliance’s progress over the past year. Mucunski believes this event will underscore the positive momentum achieved through American leadership.

A Contrast Between NATO and EU Ambitions

In stark contrast to the NATO narrative, the sentiment in many European capitals has been skeptical of Trump’s influence on the alliance. His second term as president has been marked by tensions with transatlantic partners, including labeling NATO a “paper tiger,” mocking European allies, and even suggesting he would “encourage” Russia to act aggressively against those not meeting defense spending targets. Recently, he has also threatened to suspend Spain’s NATO membership and reduce troop presence in Germany.

“There will be disagreements between member states as there have been in the past. But if you look at the fundamentals, following the The Hague summit, through US leadership, we are at a point where the Alliance is stronger than it’s ever been,” Mucunski said.

Despite these challenges, Mucunski remains optimistic about North Macedonia’s integration into NATO. He argued that the alliance’s expansion has provided the country with stability in a region known for its political unpredictability. “Joining NATO in 2020 has offered North Macedonia a sense of security in a time of great instability,” he noted. The minister also praised NATO as “the strongest collective security community that civilization has known and will probably ever know.”

North Macedonia’s aspirations for EU membership, however, have faced significant hurdles. Although the country applied for EU accession in 2004, it has made limited strides toward integration. Currently, Bulgaria is the primary obstacle in the process, with Sofia insisting on constitutional reforms to recognize its Bulgarian minority before proceeding with negotiations. “The main issue is identity and language recognition,” Mucunski stated. “Sofia maintains a strict stance that North Macedonia must fulfill agreed-upon conditions before advancing in EU accession talks.”

The Weight of Public Sentiment

Public opinion in North Macedonia adds complexity to the EU accession debate. A January 2026 poll conducted by Societas Civilis revealed that 70% of citizens support EU membership. However, Mucunski pointed out a critical gap between this enthusiasm and perceived progress. “Many of these citizens who are pro-EU […] don’t believe that the door [to the EU] will actually open,” he observed. This skepticism, he said, underscores the need for tangible steps from EU member states to demonstrate commitment to North Macedonia’s integration.

“I think, and I hope, that Bulgaria will recognize the possibilities that exist, that it will open dialogue with us,” Mucunski added.

While the EU membership process lingers, Mucunski remains focused on maintaining a pro-European orientation. “We are a country that prides itself on being pro-European, not just in rhetoric, but in the values we implement within our society,” he said. He warned that hybrid threats—such as information warfare and economic influence—could grow if regional trust weakens. “Hybrid threats thrive where frustration grows and where trust erodes,” he remarked, highlighting the persistent influence of Russia and China in the Western Balkans.

Mucunski’s perspective reflects a broader geopolitical calculus. While NATO has offered immediate security assurances, the EU represents a long-term vision of integration. “The region is witnessing a severe amount of malign influence from Russia and China,” he stated. “This is a reality that we all have to face, and we all have to live with.” Nevertheless, he affirmed that North Macedonia’s westward trajectory remains intact. “Despite the delays, we have proven not only that we say we are resilient, but to actually be resilient in practice,” he concluded, emphasizing the country’s steadfast commitment to European values and collective security.

As NATO and the EU continue to shape North Macedonia’s future, the minister’s dual emphasis on both alliances underscores the nation’s strategic positioning. With the Trump era’s legacy in NATO and the ongoing EU negotiations, the country seeks to balance immediate defense guarantees with aspirations for deeper political integration. Whether this balance will hold in the face of persistent challenges remains to be seen, but Mucunski’s confidence suggests a determination to see both paths through.