Laszlo Trocsanyi s nomination for the EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement sends a positive and strong message to the countries aiming for EU accession, Timco Mucunski, the international secretary of the right-wing Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization – Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity (VMRO-DPMNE), told V4NA. In addition to North Macedonia, the nomination of the Hungarian politician was also received positively in Serbia. Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic also called Trocsanyi s candidacy good news.

Both Serbs and North Macedonians have greeted European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen s intention to award the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations post to former Hungarian Justice Minister Laszlo Trocsanyi.

Timco Mucunski, the international secretary of the right-wing Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization – Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity (VMRO-DPMNE), has told V4NA that Laszlo Trocsanyi s potential appointment is strategically important for the Western Balkans and for North Macedonia in particular.

„The fact that a V4 country can delegate the leader of one of the most important segments of the European Commission is very significant for the countries aspiring to join the EU. This sends a positive and strong message that the next Commission will have actual plans for the Western Balkans,” Timco Mucunski said.

He highlighted: North Macedonia knows that Hungary considers their country a strategic partner politically, economically and culturally, among other things.

„We hope to cooperate with the new commissioner, and we trust that accession talks can formally begin with North Macedonia during his term,” he said.

He added that the candidate knows the Western Balkans well, and his party Fidesz is committed to the enlargement of the EU.

„A judicial expert has been chosen for the position, who can point out the legal shortcomings of the system. We are delighted with his nomination,” Timco Mucunski said.

VMRO-DPMNE vice president Aleksandar Nikoloski explained in an opinion piece that Trocsanyi s nomination is good news for the entire region, as Hungary is committed to their integration.

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic also called the nomination of the former Hungarian justice minister good news.

She thinks the new commissioner for neighbourhood policy and enlargement could come from a country which is dedicated to expansion. The Serbian premier told the Belgrade-based Prva television that Hungary is a proponent of EU enlargement, especially when it comes to Serbia.

She said that there have been many sceptical opinions about accession to the European Union, but the Hungarian nominee could now set a new direction in this communication. She believes that the proposed line-up of the European Commission could reinvigorate enlargement efforts. She said she hoped the European Parliament would confirm Laszlo Trocsanyi s appointment, and he could begin his work as a commissioner.

He also pointed out that Hungary has been a vocal and unambiguous supporter of EU enlargement for a long time, and emphatically supports Serbia in the course of European integration.

Ursula von der Leyen presented the planned line-up of the body to take office in November on Tuesday.

The German politician has also disclosed her letter to Trocsanyi. In it, she said it was of utmost importance that the EU be surrounded by „stable, safe and thriving” countries. She said that credible integration prospects must be presented to the Western Balkans, accession talks should be started with Albania and North Macedonia, and structural and institutional reforms need to be accelerated.

In response to a journalist s question, von der Leyen said at her press conference: Hungary s goals about the integration of the Western Balkans are clear, and they match those of the Commission. She added that Trocsanyi has very good relationships with the countries in the region.

The Hungarian politician reacted to his nomination in a statement.

„At my hearing at the European Parliament, I will emphasize that I will do everything in my power to fulfil my duties in this responsible position,” Laszlo Trocsanyi wrote. He added that both enlargement and European neighbourhood policy are areas which should be prioritised, and they have an effect on the everyday lives of European citizens.

Hungary believes the European Union needs to be expanded, which is why Trocsanyi s position is encouraging for the Western Balkans countries. The EU opened a new chapter of accession talks with Serbia in June.

At that time, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto called it outrageous that only one chapter was opened, while the Serbs were technically ready for five. Furthermore, the Hungarian minister said that the EU s delay of the Western Balkan expansion process was detrimental and a security risk, since the integration of the region is of critical importance.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also supports the enlargement of the European Union. In April this year, at a joint press conference with Ana Brnabic, he stood up for Serbia s accession to the European Union as soon as possible. In his opinion, the next historic task is the implementation of Serbia s EU accession, which will be beneficial both for the Serbian and the Hungarian people, and also the EU will need it.