Skopje, 10 September 2024 (MIA) - Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi met Tuesday with the new Ambassador of the European Union, Michalis Rokas, welcoming him to the country and noting the joint contribution in the process for full-fledged EU membership of the Republic of North Macedonia.

According to Parliament, at the meeting Gashi and Rokas voiced expectations that, following the European elections held in June 2024, the EU institutions will maintain the positive momentum regarding the enlargement of the Union with the Western Balkan countries.

“Interlocutors touched upon the need to continue the realization of reforms and domestic tasks, with the goal of fulfilling membership criteria, especially in key areas,” Parliament said in a press release. 

Gashi noted that Parliament is firmly committed to implementing reforms, especially harmonizing domestic law with European legislation and strengthening the supervisory role. He voiced readiness to strengthen and introduce a new dynamic in the cooperation and communication between Parliament and the European Parliament, stressing the importance of the “Jean Monnet” process that led to the creation of two significant documents for the legislature in the country – the Code of Ethics and the new Rules of Procedure.

At the meeting, Gashi and Rokas also exchanged opinions over the need to strengthen the political dialogue in the country, considering the shared goal of Euro-integration, as a strategic commitment of the country.

Ambassador Rokas said his goal is to help the country make tangible steps at this stage of the Euro-integration process, according to Parliament. He also noted the importance of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, stressing that it represents an opportunity to strengthen the capacities for EU membership of the countries from the region.

Photo: Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia