Brussels, 13 February 2024 (MIA) – The accession of North Macedonia to the European Union isn't just a matter of geopolitical importance; it's also a reflection of the shared values of democracy, stability, and prosperity championed by the EU. This was the message delivered today by Gert Jan Koopman, the Director-General of the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), during the meeting in Brussels on Tuesday with Bojan Marichikj, the First Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs.

“This represents an opportunity for North Macedonia to further strengthen its democratic institutions, to enhance economic development though the Growth Plan as well as to promote regional cooperation,” Koopman said.

Marichikj, for his part, stressed that our aim is full-fledged membership in the EU, acknowledging that the accession process demands commitment, reforms, and cooperation. 

“North Macedonia has achieved significant progress in meeting the EU criteria, which is crucial for us to continue working collectively towards realizing the shared vision of a unified and prosperous Europe,” Marichikj added.

He also emphasized the multiple benefits of North Macedonia's future EU membership, both for its citizens and for the European community.

Koopman and Marichikj highlighted commitment of both sides to support and advocate for North Macedonia's accession to the European Union, evidenced by joint efforts to secure a European future for the country and to develop the region.

Earlier on Tuesday, Marichikj met with Belgian Foreign Minister, Hadja Lahbib, as well as Deputy Managing Director for the Western Balkans at the European External Action Service (EEAS), Marko Makovec, and is set to hold a meeting with Simon Mordue, the Chief Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of the European Council Charles Michel.

Later in the afternoon, Marichikj and Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani will join caretaker Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi for a meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană at the NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Photo: Secretariat for European Affairs