Brussels, 25 October 2023 (MIA) – The European Union is ready to further promote the negotiations process with North Macedonia and the region in the coming period, which will lead to clear and visible results in the efforts of getting closer to the EU, said Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European affairs, Bojan Marichikj, and the Director General at the Directorate General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), Gert Jan Koopman, at a meeting Wednesday.

“The EU is ready to accelerate the negotiations, but reforms remain crucial for the progress towards full-fledged membership. It is important for us to know that we have partners who want to see North Macedonia in the EU and who believe that we are ready to make the next step for the good of the country and the citizens,” wrote Marichikj in a Facebook post after the meeting.

The Deputy PM assessed the meeting as a positive and important meeting during which they spoked about the country’s relations with the EU, the support of the member states for the continuation of the country’s negotiations process and for the important reforms related to the Euro-integration, especially the rule of law and the fight against corruption.

“The European path and the reform agenda must be above all, above the political interest, the dialogue must be active, and there must be a joint commitment to introduce European standards and principles in Macedonian society,” added Marichikj.

Earlier on Wednesday, as reported by MIA’s Brussels correspondent, Marichikj held a meeting with the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi, discussing the current political developments in the country, the state of play of the screening process, as well as expectations ahead of the 2023 Progress Report.  

In addition to taking part in the Global Gateway Forum, Marichikj will also meet with European Commissioner for Budget and Administration, Johannes Hahn, MIA reports from Brussels. Marichikj will also hold a briefing with the working group of the Working Party on Enlargement and Countries Negotiating Accession to the EU (COELA), and a working meeting with Acting Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Michela Matuella, to discuss the screening process and the preparation of strategic documents - Roadmaps for opening Cluster 1 - Fundamentals.

Photo: Facebook