North Macedonia President Addresses UN General Assembly, Urges Reforms and Unconditional EU Integration

President Siljanovska-Davkova Addresses 80th UNGA Session

President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova of North Macedonia delivered a significant address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Her speech focused on pressing global challenges, the imperative for UN reforms, and North Macedonia's path toward European integration. The 80th session of the UNGA opened on September 9, 2025, with the high-level General Debate commencing on September 23, 2025.

Call for UN Reforms Amid Global Instability

During her address, President Siljanovska-Davkova underscored the critical role of the United Nations in upholding peace, justice, and multilateralism amidst escalating geopolitical tensions. She warned of 'geopolitical earthquakes' that are undermining international law and security, noting that instead of a unified international order, 'parallel orders seem to be emerging, each with its own rules, values and interests.' The President highlighted several urgent global challenges, including:

• The ongoing war in Ukraine
• Conflicts in the Middle East
• The pervasive issue of climate change
• The risks and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence
• Growing global inequalities

She called for urgent reforms within the UN, stressing the need for inclusiveness, adherence to international law, and strong leadership. Siljanovska-Davkova questioned if the UN was 'turning into the League of Nations' due to being 'paralyzed and isolated when most needed,' advocating for the General Assembly to evolve into a more representative policymaking body.

North Macedonia's European Integration and National Dignity

A significant portion of President Siljanovska-Davkova's speech was dedicated to North Macedonia's European integration. She stated that the country's accession process has been obstructed for 20 years by 'subjective nationalistic reasons,' rather than objective Copenhagen criteria. She criticized the European Union for imposing new constitutional amendments as a condition for starting accession negotiations, arguing that this reopens settled questions of history, culture, and language. The President emphasized that North Macedonia seeks integration 'without additional conditions' and with its 'national dignity preserved.' She warned that blocking the Western Balkans' European integration is not only a political but also a security issue, potentially creating a 'geopolitical vacuum' that could be filled by other influences.

Bilateral Meetings and Broader Context

On the sidelines of the UNGA, President Siljanovska-Davkova met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. She expressed gratitude for his support regarding North Macedonia's EU path and his stance on accelerating the European integration process. She also participated in the 'Concordia' summit, where she drew a parallel between the UN and the EU, stating, 'What the UN is for the world, the EU is for Europe, a multilateral project with one overriding goal: peace on the continent.' Additionally, her address touched upon other global issues, including support for Palestinian rights, condemnation of Russia's war in Ukraine, and a call for a woman to serve as the next UN Secretary-General.