Skopje, 9 February 2024 (MIA) - The priorities of the Belgium's EU Council presidency will be presented Friday during a joint session of the Parliament’s Committee on European Affairs and the National European Integration Council.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Republic of North Macedonia, Frédéric Meurice, is set to unveil the program and priorities for the Belgian presidency's work with the Council of the European Union from January to June 2024.

During an event in Skopje last month hosted by the European Movement, Meurice said the Union’s enlargement is a very important topic on the agenda of the Belgian Presidency.

“Belgium is convinced in the strategic importance of enlargement. It is also convinced that this is a merit-based process that requires reforms as well. But, at the same time, during our Presidency, we want to achieve certain results in terms of enlargement, we want to have a negotiating framework with Ukraine and Moldova, intergovernmental conferences with Albania and North Macedonia, as well as the opening of new chapters with Serbia and Montenegro,” Meurice said.

The Ambassador also mentioned the new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, noting that all financial provisions need to be finalized so that it can be implemented sooner.