Skopje, 25 May 2022 (MIA) – Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Ljupcho Nikolovski during his working visit to Brussels on Wednesday met with European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski and Director General of the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development Wolfgang Burtscher at the European Commission. “Talks focused on issues stemming from the current global political, security and economic challenges facing the agricultural sector today, most notably farmers being affected greatly by geopolitical developments,” the Agriculture Ministry said adding that innovative solutions and political measures were presented aimed at providing sustainability and productivity of agriculture. Commissioner Wojciechowski, it added, welcomed the proactive approach of the Macedonian government and the Agriculture Ministry in passing key laws for agriculture and aligning them with European regulations as the country is faced with unconstructive Parliament blockade by the opposition. Also, Commissioner Wojciechowski praised the agriculture intervention plan as a unique way of assistance, which is yet to be introduced in EU member countries. “The Republic of North Macedonia is a leader in the region in terms of using IPARD funds. Over 97% of available funds, a historic high, has been recorded and our positive example is followed by other countries in the region. Successful implementation of the IPARD program is yet another proof that we are fully committed to the EU integration process,” said the press release adding Minister Nikolovski thanked for the excellent cooperation between the teams of the country and the European Commission focused on accelerating the process.