Strasbourg, 26 November 2025 (MIA) - More than two decades ago in Thessaloniki, a promise was made that the future of the Western Balkans lies within the European family, and that promise must continue to live not only through words but also through deeds, said Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani in his address at the 24th EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting, which began on Wednesday afternoon at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

“For North Macedonia, whose path has been long and often filled with challenges beyond the Copenhagen criteria, the European path and full membership remain a matter of firm conviction, not convenience. Every reform we implement strengthens our belief that Europe is strongest when it fulfills its promise and that the Union is complete when those who have waited the longest are finally admitted as full-fledged members,” Murtezani stressed.

The Minister noted that for the country the European path has never been a distant aspiration but has always represented a daily task and disciplined effort to turn commitment into results.

“Strasbourg is not just a city of institutions. It is a living metaphor for what Europe has become – a space where dialogue has replaced division and where ideals have found their voice in institutions built to endure. In such an environment, Europe cannot be the subject of abstract speech. Here, the discourse is about responsibility, partnership, and courage for reforms. Today, as we convene in this house of democracy, we are united by the same conviction: that Europe is strongest when it listens, when it creates, through dialogue and persuasion,” Murtezani said.

According to the Minister, the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans has given a new dimension to the country’s European path, as it represents recognition of what has been achieved and an invitation for further progress.

“Through this plan, the European Union has shown that integration is not a process postponed for some future moment. It begins with the transformation of systems, economies, and societies today and can bring tangible benefits even before formal membership,” Murtezani said.

The Minister said the country is a leader in that transformation, being the first in the region to put into operation the Reform and Growth Facility and to receive pre-financing of over EUR 52 million.

“It provides structure to our reforms and clarity to our goals. In less than a year, two requests for the release of funds have been submitted and approved, representing concrete progress in a number of areas: from digital infrastructure and energy efficiency to improving the business climate. A total of EUR 24 million has already been paid out, with additional funds to be secured upon completion of 29 active reform steps scheduled for December 2025, as well as outstanding steps from previous reporting periods. Each step represents much more than a bureaucratic stage. It is an indicator of the country’s credibility and of the government’s commitment to lasting change,” the Minister said.

He also spoke about planned investments within the Growth Plan in energy, digitization, transport, and education, as well as initiatives aimed at connecting citizens, improving competitiveness, and strengthening sustainability.

“In parallel, we are working on finalizing the roadmaps for opening the chapters on rule of law and public administration reform as initial benchmarks for the ‘Fundamentals’ cluster. The roadmap for public administration reform has already been approved by the government, while the roadmap for the rule of law is being finalized in coordination with the European Commission. Both documents are aligned with broader European standards and with the EC’s screening report,” Murtezani said.

The Minister noted that the European Commission’s Progress Report for 2025 also confirms that these efforts are yielding results, recognizing progress in key areas including public finance management, digitization, and judicial reform.

“The report also highlights North Macedonia’s continued alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy and emphasizes the country’s constructive regional contribution. At the same time, the Report calls on us to accelerate reforms in areas where consistency is essential. We take that message seriously. The recommendations from this year’s report, together with the conclusions from the screening and expert missions, are already integrated into the National Program for the Adoption of EU Acquis and into our medium-term budgetary framework,” Murtezani stressed.

According to Minister Murtezani, the results of the reforms are already transforming the daily lives of Macedonian citizens through greater initiative, and with the country’s accession to the Single Euro Payments Area, European integration has become a concrete and tangible reality for citizens and businesses.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting was also addressed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski.

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs