Skopje, 11 May 2023 (MIA) – Since these, as well as a series of other laws aiming to improve society, were blocked in Parliament, it was decided that the bills should be reviewed by the Committee on European Affairs, which would secure a faster adoption and faster work on the ground. The citizens need corridors, and not daily political quarrels, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski on Thursday in answer to a journalist’s question over the EU-flagged bills related to corridors VIII and X-d.

The PM said the bills concern strategic corridors connected to Europe, which is why Parliament decided Wednesday that the bills should be reviewed by the Committee on European Affairs.

“We are talking about two exceptionally important corridors, but also other investment projects that are being carried out or will be carried out in the country, in the field of road, railway or energy infrastructure. The Government proposed five amendments to existing legislation in order to enable faster and more efficient construction, but also a cheaper construction than it would be with the current legislation,” said Kovachevski in answer to a journalist’s question.

Kovachevski stressed that the European agenda is the only agenda of the Government regarding issues related to the country’s integration.

“In our Parliament there are political parties who oppose the country’s EU and NATO membership, Levica above all, but they have also taken VMRO-DPMNE hostage, which is following certain interests that are contrary to the national interests. But since these are strategic corridors connecting the country to Europe, Parliament decided that the bills should be reviewed by the Committee on European Affairs,” added Kovachevski.

The PM reiterated that the construction of corridors VIII and X-d is the largest strategic project in the history of the country, as part of which 110 km of motorway will be constructed. 

“After decades and decades of having no motorway to Albania and expressway to Bulgaria, this makes it possible for the country to be connected to Corridor VIII. Corridor VIII was never on the map of Pan-European corridors until now, and thanks to Italy, Albania, North Macedonia and Bulgaria, our Minister of Transport and Communications will sign a memorandum in Brussels adding Corridor VIII to the map of Pan-European corridors later this month,” said Kovachevski.

Photo: MIA