North Macedonia’s Support for Trump’s Administration

North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed strong backing for former President Donald Trump and his policies in an exclusive interview. He noted that his government has been aligned with Trump even before his recent presidential campaign, highlighting their collaboration with Trump-affiliated officials during early 2024.

Mickoski shared that North Macedonia hosted Trump campaign officials in mid-2024 and later sent a delegation to his inauguration in early 2025. He emphasized that support for Trump is significant among Macedonian citizens, citing a strong credibility and connection with them. “Even before he took office, some members of his team visited us during his campaign, when few European nations thought he would win,” he recalled during the conversation.

Following the NATO summit in July 2024, North Macedonia was among the first countries to welcome members of Trump’s team, openly demonstrating their support for his policies across various issues, including international relations and energy. Mickoski mentioned meaningful discussions with U.S. Ambassador Ric Grenell regarding energy cooperation, indicating North Macedonia as an essential partner for U.S. interests in the Balkans.

In terms of public sentiment, Mickoski asserted that Trump enjoys strong backing in North Macedonia, arguably more so than in other European countries. He stated a desire to host Trump if his schedule permits, emphasizing the warm reception he believes the former president would find.

Mickoski elaborated on the extensive trade relationship following Trump’s tariffs, noting that their zero-tariff policy on imports from the U.S. aligns with ongoing negotiations for further trade agreements. He hopes that these discussions will culminate in official deals during his upcoming visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Upon discussing the need for economic cooperation, Mickoski expressed optimism about signing significant treaties to foster bilateral relations further. He commented that enhancing economic ties would benefit both nations greatly, positioning North Macedonia as a vital ally for the U.S. in regional matters.

The conversation also touched on North Macedonia’s strategic significance, which Mickoski likened to being on an “invisible battlefield” regarding competing interests from the East—namely China—and the West. He expressed concern over China’s increasing influence in the region, particularly through port acquisitions in Greece, which he fears could disrupt the competitive landscape in European markets.

Despite urging greater collaboration with the U.S., Mickoski clarified that North Macedonia respects China’s One China policy while prioritizing its U.S. partnership. He spoke of ongoing ambitions to join the European Union, navigating complex disputes that have historically hampered progress. He called the EU membership essential for security and resilience in the region.

Through the strategic dialogue initiated with the U.S., Mickoski is hopeful for a deeper economic partnership, advocating for less bureaucratic engagement and more concrete outcomes. He highlighted plans for significant infrastructure projects, particularly in energy and defense spending, aiming for North Macedonia to emerge as a reliable partner for America.

Mickoski also touched on advancing North Macedonia’s infrastructure to support American LNG exports, emphasizing the ongoing development of inter-connector pipelines with neighboring countries. In light of climate change challenges, he noted plans for hydropower development as a sustainable energy source, alongside efforts to establish data centers to harness artificial intelligence technologies in collaboration with American investors.

Overall, Mickoski painted a picture of a North Macedonia eager to bolster its ties with the United States while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, seeking to solidify its role as a significant ally in the Balkans and beyond.