Skopje, 19 October 2024 (MIA) -- The current government has no clear strategy for progress or political will to continue the EU integration process and any delays in opening the negotiating chapters is a step back, SDSM leader told EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas at their meeting, according to SDSM in a press release.

Filipche told Rokas that his party would remain committed to European values and would remain constructive in the process.

Meeting participants discussed the importance of North Macedonia continuing on its EU path as well as the need to take further steps toward the formal start of negotiations with the EU, reiterating that the country's integration was of great national interest.

Filipche voiced his concern regarding the current government's actions in the EU accession process, which he said was blocked since the country was decoupled from Albania. SDSM, he said, would support any steps bringing the country closer to the EU.

Ambassador Rokas reaffirmed the EU's support for the country's EU membership as well as the enlargement process with the Western Balkan countries. 

The meeting also discussed the importance of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans in bringing the Macedonian economy closer to the European countries' economies through concrete financial support for regional capacity-building.

Filipche and Rokas agreed the country's reforms needed to continue and the requirements for joining the EU needed to be met. They also said dialogue and cooperation would remain key for the European future of the country. mr/