Skopje, 28 December 2023 (MIA) - The Republic of North Macedonia will become an EU member state. With a pro-European government like this one led by SDSM, the country will join the EU by 2030, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski told Thursday's Q&A session in Parliament. 

Kovachevski noted that according to a poll published on Wednesday, 80 percent of the citizens are in favor of EU membership. 

"That's where we're headed, and that's where we'll be," said the PM. 

According to him, the latest conclusion on North Macedonia adopted by the European Council is the clearest one so far.

"The one paragraph conclusion stated that North Macedonia has successfully completed the screening process and remains to complete its obligation for amendments to the Constitution. The European Council will then schedule a second intergovernmental conference to open all chapters," said Kovachevski.  

At this geopolitical moment, he noted, the EU also needs us, because stability is needed on the European continent in light of the war in Ukraine.

"And now is the time of common interest, when the EU needs us, and we need the EU,"  Kovachevski added, firmly stating that this unique chance will be seized. 

Commenting on the EU Growth Plan, he said it is an instrument to support the Western Balkans which consists of EUR 2 billion in grants and EUR 4 billion in concessional loans, guaranteed by the EU and with lower interest rates. Of them, about EUR 1 billion can be used by the Republic of North Macedonia. 

"The common goal with the EU is to make the first transfer to the Republic of North Macedonia by April 2024 for the implementation of reforms, and for inclusion in programs in which we have not been involved so far," said the Prime Minister.

We will not allow a blockade, Kovachevski stressed, pointing out that those who intend to block should step away or they will be removed by the citizens.

Kovachevski mentioned among other that inflation has fallen to 3 percent from 19 percent in a period of one year, and the October net wage stands at Mden 39,000, which is an increase of 18 percent compared to the same month last year.

"And not only did we fulfill our promise of EUR 500 monthly wage, but we also exceeded it by EUR 150 a year earlier than promised, making the average wage EUR 300 higher than in 2016," Kovachevski said. 

Kovachevski also noted that ten days ago, by decision of the Government, EUR 32.5 million were redistributed to 66 projects from 44 municipalities. The mayors have already signed the agreements.

"This is money from the citizens for the citizens," said Kovachevski.