Minister of Defence Vlado Misajlovski, today (12 February), attended and addressed the meeting of the North Atlantic Council of the Alliance at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, which was attended by the defence ministers of the allied countries.
In today's address, Minister Misajlovski referred to the goals, priorities and activities undertaken by the Government, the Ministry of Defence and the Army in accordance with the agreements of the last NATO summit in The Hague, as well as the unity of the Alliance, which is more than necessary today in strengthening the concept of defence and deterrence.
"Even in times of global geopolitical changes, if we continue to focus on what has motivated us to strive so energetically for NATO membership for decades - the need for peace, security, stability, as a prerequisite for prosperity, as an Alliance we can withstand any challenge that comes our way", said the minister. He added that our country continues to increase its defence budget, and thus remains fully committed to the modernization of the Macedonian Army.
"Over 32.5 percent of the Macedonian defence budget has been allocated for modernization this year, which is far above what is planned to be in accordance with NATO goals, i.e. allocating 20% of the defence budget for modernization", said Misajlovski. The already signed agreements with several allied countries are being successfully finalized, but we also have ongoing agreements, which as the minister underlined contribute to the modernization and equipping of the Army, for strengthening the defence capacities, and thus strengthening collective defence.
Misajlovski emphasized that parallel investments are being made in human capacities, and proof of this is the fact that the members of the Light Infantry Battalion Group are exceptionally prepared for the NATO assessment that is coming up in April this year.
The Minister added that we will continue to actively participate in NATO and EU led missions and operations, both within the eastern flank of the Alliance, as well as within KFOR and ALTHEA, all with one goal, peace, stability, security and prosperity for countries and citizens.
During the meeting, Minister Misajlovski expressed his strong support for the US peace efforts to establish peace in Ukraine and on the European continent.
After the meeting, Minister Misajlovski left for Munich where he will be part of the Macedonian delegation led by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski at the upcoming security conference to be held from 13-15 February 2026.
