Skopje, 3 March 2023 (MIA) – Bilateral screening meeting for Chapter 2 - Free Movement of Workers is underway in Brussels, described by Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj as a very important chapter for Macedonian citizens, because the harmonization with EU legislation means that barriers connected to the European labor market are removed and its opening will make the Macedonian worker more valued.

“This means working without permits, equal treatment as the citizens of other EU member states, equal social insurance as the citizens of the member state where the worker is employed, the right to pension and social contributions and mutual recognition of qualifications,” Deputy PM Marichikj said in his video address.

Marichikj said series of reforms have been implemented in this area but more work is needed, pointing out that North Macedonia has concluded 15 social insurance bilateral agreements with EU member states, and 9 agreements to use the European health insurance card on the territory of North Macedonia.

This week, Chapter 9 - Financial Services and Chapter 28 - Health and Consumer Protection were on the agenda, and the screening meeting for Chapter 2 - Free Movement of Workers is underway, chapters that include regulations that are highly important for the citizens and the quality of life, as well as the financial and macroeconomic stability of North Macedonia.

“We have to present the achievements and harmonization with the EU for Chapter 8 - Competition, a very important chapter of Cluster 2 - Internal Market and we will continue with the third cluster according to the calendar,” Marichikj said.

The Deputy PM said that EU negotiations are going according to plan and that the Macedonian negotiating team is successfully leading the screening process, and that it is important to maintain this tempo and the continuity in EU negotiations.

“It will speed up reforms, which is good for us, the state and the citizens. Let’s prove that we are a serious state for EU membership and that we will fulfil our obligations and the European reform agenda. We’ll be ready for the next phase in November this year, to continue moving forward and let our citizens truly feel the benefits from EU accession negotiations,” Marichikj said. dk/ik/