Skopje, 6 April 2024 (MIA) - The Growth Plan provides us with additional strength and motivation to not give up on the European future, for the good of all citizens, Deputy Prime Minister for European affairs, Bojan Marichikj, said on Saturday.

“What we requested from the European Union,” said Marichikj, “is finally certain to happen after the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament reached an agreement over the European Commission’s proposal to establish the Reform and Growth Facility, i.e., the Growth Plan for the Western Balkan countries.”

“This is a significant step forward for North Macedonia on the path to the EU, as a country that has already launched accession talks and successfully concluded the first stage, i.e., the screening process. In other words, the European Union is committing itself to the implementation of one of the largest investment strategies for the integration of the Western Balkans, through joint cooperation with a total of EUR 2 billion in grants and EUR 4 billion in loans, to aid EU-related reforms and economic convergence with the European standards,” Marichikj said.

According to the Deputy PM, this step underscores the commitment in support of North Macedonia’s harmonization with the values, laws and standards of the EU, which will significantly accelerate the effect with all socio-economic benefits on our path to full-fledged EU membership. The instrument will be realized in the 2024-2027 period, it will supplement the existing Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III), significantly increasing financial assistance for partners in the region.

The goal of the Growth Plan, stressed the Deputy PM, is to support the EU’s Western Balkan partners in the efforts to implement EU-related reforms and stimulate economic convergence with the EU, on the basis of ambitious reform agendas.

“The message from the EU adds to our commitments, affirming what is important to us – the EU wants to see the Macedonians be a part of the Union. In the meantime, it is necessary that we realize reforms through strategic plans to ensure growth in the region and the country that will bring about significant socio-economic benefits to all citizens. That’s precisely why the Growth Plan provides us with additional strength and motivation not to give up on the European future, for the good of all citizens,” Marichikj said. 

Photo/Video: Secretariat for European Affairs