Skopje, 23 January 2024 (MIA) - The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is a robust facility and a strong message for countries in the region that they have to speed up their Euro-integration path. EU extends its hand and countries should use the opportunity, take responsibility on their own turf, implement reforms and bridge the gap in reaching the EU standard faster, agreed Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi and Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) Director for the Western Balkans, Valentina Superti.

"The Government and the Ministry of Finance are fully committed to the reforms and policies bringing North Macedonia closer to the EU family. The Programme for Economic Reforms 2024-2026 was adopted this month, including all EU-related reform measures that we will focus on in the coming period," said Minister Besimi.

The five priority areas for North Macedonia, selected together with the DG NEAR, are public finance management, digital and energy/green transition, human capital, business environment and rule of law.

"We are working with colleagues from Brussels and the EU Delegation on finalizing the key elements of the reform agenda. The next steps focus on concrete activities for implementation of reforms and accompanying investments," said Besimi.

Implementation of measures will lead to strengthening of the country's capacities in responding to shocks, maintaining macroeconomic stability and achieving sustainable and inclusive growth, the Ministry of Finance said in a press release.

Photo: Ministry of Finance