Skopje, 12 September 2023 (MIA) - A key period in the European Union accession negotiations lies ahead, time must not be wasted and the opportunity must not be missed, agreed Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj and Germany's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, on Tuesday.

Marichikj and Sarrazin discussed the accession negotiations, the constitutional changes, the reforms and the region's European perspective, the Secretariat for European Affairs said in a press release.

Special Envoy Sarrazin clearly pointed out that EU membership is certain and time should not be wasted, while the opportunity must not be missed. He added that the debate within the EU on the future enlargement is active and should result in a specific plan and timeline in the coming months, noting that moves must be swift in order to assume the fast track in the accession negotiations.

Deputy PM Marichikj said the Government is fully committed to maintaining North Macedonia on the European path, highlighting that the country has done a lot on this journey, while adding that the key period lies ahead.

"The Government is focused on the successful completion of its tasks and bringing the country closer to the EU, so that we implement reforms at a higher pace and Europeanize the Macedonian society," said Marichikj.

Interlocutors reaffirmed Germany's commitment to the region's European perspective and its pledge for the area to remain active in the accession process and efficiently complete EU negotiations without further complications and delays, reads the press release.

Photo: Secretariat for European Affairs