Skopje, 27 April 2022 (MIA) – Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj met Wednesday with European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi, discussing about the country’s European perspective and the importance of unblocking European integration. “We remain committed to maintaining positive results in reform implementation, as seen in the latest EC report on the country, and no one can deny it. It’s time to give a new course to our European agenda and start negotiations with the European Union,” said Deputy PM Marichikj. EU Commissioner Várhelyi reaffirmed support to the European integration process and voiced expectation that the best solution will be reached with Bulgaria, in the interest of both countries. Deputy PM Marichikj highlighted the country’s commitment to the European integration process, briefing Commissioner Várhelyi on the work and priorities of the Secretariat for European Affairs, as well as on the need to close the issue with Bulgaria and unblock North Macedonia’s European integration. “The constant delay in getting a date to start negotiations reflects on politics at home, increases Euroscepticism, as well as concerns about geopolitical stability,” Marichikj pointed out. The Deputy PM voiced confidence that a European solution will be reached with Bulgaria, to be a concrete result and step to North Macedonia’s full-fledged EU membership. Participants in the meeting agreed that the European integration of North Macedonia and the region are the only solution to ensure lasting peace and stability in both the Western Balkans and Europe, adding that a step forward needs to be taken in European integration, in the interest of all, the Secretariat for European Affairs said in a press release.