Brussels, 8 December 2023 (MIA) — Deputy Prime Minister of European Affairs Bojan Marichikj and Directorate-General Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (NEAR) Director-General Gert Jan Koopman discussed the successful completion of the screening process and the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans in Brussels on Thursday evening.

They said the Growth Plan represented a transition from the screning end to the opening of Cluster 1 through investments into reforms, which will contribute to citizens feeling the benefits of the EU and adapting the state for full membership in the bloc.

According to MIA's Brussels correspondent, the Growth Plan is the European Commission's most ambitious mechanism for the integration of the countries of the Western Balkans, and an opportunity to implement reforms supported by EU funds.

The Growth Plan, in addition to investments in regional reforms, foresees funding for integrating regional market into the EU's single market to boost economic growth.

It is also seen as an incentive for accelerating North Macedonia's EU membership by 2030.

Deputy Prime Minister Marichikj, who is also the main negotiator of the country with the EU, is ending his working visit to Brussels by taking part in the fifth meeting of the Western Balkans Investment Framework strategic board. mr/