Granada, 5 October 2023 (MIA) – The enlargement of the European Union is on the agenda after many years. This is an exceptionally important meeting with all countries in Europe, and one of the main topics, the most important one for us, is enlargement. Of course, we will also be discussing topics related to digitization and the introduction of artificial intelligence in order to improve the conditions for the citizens, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski ahead of the beginning of the third meeting of the European Political Community, held Thursday in Granada, Spain.

Kovachevski said North Macedonia is in an excellent position considering it kicked off EU negotiations last year, while the Union has already launched a process to adjust itself so that it can function with more member states.

“I think that we find ourselves in an excellent position considering we began our EU negotiations last year. On the other hand, the EU has a strategic interest and has already launched a process of adaptation in terms of the need to function in the future with more member states. So, there is dynamism within the member states for membership, above all I am referring to the Western Balkan countries, including North Macedonia, however, there is also dynamism within the EU in terms of adapting so it can function with more member states,” said Kovachevski.

According to Kovachevski, the holding of an informal meeting of the European Council on Friday is also significant, and it will focus on important issues such as peace and security in Europe, support for Ukraine, but also the enlargement of the EU.

“As the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, announced, a debate is already being led within the EU in terms of the preparation of the EU to accept new members on one hand, and the accession processes on the other,” said Kovachevski.

Within the frameworks of the meeting, according to the PM, working meetings are planned which are set to be attended by the prime ministers of France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and other countries, as well as the representative of the European Parliament and the European Commission.

“I am hoping for successful meetings. I will also have bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, the Prime Minister of Ireland, and the Vice-President of the European Commission,” said Kovachevski.

Granada, a city with just over 200.000 inhabitants and a great historical and cultural heritage bringing together the three largest monotheistic cultures – Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, hosts Thursday the third summit of the European Political Community.

The European Political Community aims to encourage political dialogue and cooperation in dealing with issues of joint interest, and to strengthen the security, stability, and prosperity of the European continent. 

Photo: MIA