Skopje, 4 May 2023 (MIA) - European Union membership is a strategic goal for countries in the region, Minister of Local Self-Government Risto Penov told a meeting with Kosovo Local Government Institute (ILS) delegation.

"The European perspective is a common denominator for neighboring countries. Therefore, it is important we show stability within and in the region. Collaboration between countries, institutions and citizens is the most important step through which we can manifest our maturity as a region," Penov added.

The Minister welcomed the European Parliament's decision to liberalize the visa regime for Kosovo citizens.

"North Macedonia has started the process of opening the negotiating framework, and screening in Brussels is ongoing. We hope for a full opening of EU negotiations, which is a requirement for political, economic, and social stability and development for our country," Penov said.

Penov believes that local self-government is ever an important and current topic, as an essential pillar in building the state's political system. He stressed that the local self-government has a direct impact on the democratization of society, inter-ethnic relations, as well as the socio-economic balanced development of North Macedonia. 

"As a country, we are fully aligned with European standards. Now, our task is to work on improving functionality of municipalities and the City of Skopje, by strengthening capacities and resources. Ensuing conditions for financial stability of municipalities by engaging both central and local governments and raising the quality of services. A key challenge will be to strengthen capacities of the state, local self-government, for greater absorption of funds from the EU's Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA)" said Penov.

The Minister noted that the EU's regional policy aims to overcome disparities between states and regions, which is a chance for North Macedonia to fully realize EU support, and improve the quality of life, in which the local self-government will play an important role. ssh/nn/

Photo: Ministry of Local Self-Government