Brussels, 26 January 2023 (MIA) – Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj met with the new Director General of the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), Gert Jan Koopman, in Brussels on Thursday.  

“The rule of law should remain in the focus of the institutions towards fast progress in negotiations with the EU. Judiciary reforms and the rule of law are of vital importance in the ‘Fundamentals’ Cluster and we must pay special attention to them, particularly in preparing the rule of law roadmap. There are open and real opportunities for North Macedonia’s progress towards the EU, regarding which Koopman expressed willingness for help and support,” Marichikj posted on Facebook.  

He stressed that the EU has recognized as visible the high level of readiness and enthusiasm of the Macedonian negotiating groups before the European Commission, and the dynamics needs to be maintained.  

“With the continued support of the European Union, we remain committed to the implementation of extensive political and economic reforms resulting from the accession process and expected by the citizens,” Marichikj added.