Skopje, 9 February 2023 (MIA) - North Macedonia's European perspective is a reality and the country can count on the support of its European partners for further steps in the EU integration process, concurred a meeting between Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski and Head of the Delegation of the European Union, David Geer, as well as ambassadors of EU member countries in Skopje on Thursday.

First Deputy PM Artan Grubi, Deputy PM for good governance policies Slavica Grkovska, Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi, Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj and Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani attended Thursday's meeting alongside PM Kovachevski, the Government said in a press release. 

 

Talks focused on current developments related to the country's European integration process, as well as challenges in a global context as a result of the war in Ukraine in terms of economy and security. 

 

Participants in the meeting announced further support in the area of reforms, noting that European integration is the option for the future and the quality of life of the citizens of North Macedonia. 

 

PM Kovachevski and the government officials expressed gratitude for the significant support of the European partners in all important processes for democracy in the country, during North Macedonia's progress and the opening of negotiations, in moving the process forward, as well as in terms of the financial support in overcoming the challenges of the global economic and energy crisis.

"The Government is open to strengthening its capacities and increase the parliamentary majority. The EU and the United States are our strategic partners, and we will continue to develop the country in that direction, which brings security and quality of life to the citizens, with a focus on all reforms and in the area of the rule of law. We are a successful example of a functional, multi-ethnic democracy, a state of equal citizens, with equal rights and obligations, and that is our greatness and value. We will continue on the path forward, while categorically protecting the identity benchmarks and the dignity of the citizens," said PM Kovachevski. 

 

 

Participants in the meeting said early elections are not an option, as they are not related to the possibility of progress of the country, but to political agendas that are not in the interest of the citizens.

"The Republic of North Macedonia deserves membership in the European Union. That is the future of the country and we will continue to develop on the European path," said Deputy PM Grubi. 

Government officials said that threats from growing nationalism for personal and foreign interests in the countries of the Western Balkans are a reality, which is why it is necessary to continue the enlargement of the European Union.

In addition, interlocutors highlighted the positive course of the screening process, expressing expectation that focus remains on European standards and European values.