Brussels, 17 October 2022 (MIA) - Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs and Chief EU Negotiator Bojan Marichikj during Monday’s explanatory screening meetings for Chapter 10 – Information Society and Media in Brussels, said that reforms implemented by the country are sustainable, our progress has been recognized as we are given new opportunities through the screening process to faster and easier achieve the EU standards in this chapter. Marichikj said that North Macedonia has already taken steps to align with existing EU policies and the government’s main goal is to provide high-quality public services for citizens and businesses. “We recognize the importance of transforming society and bringing new opportunities for businesses and technology. Our reforms are sustainable, our progress has been recognized and we are given new opportunities through the screening process to faster and easier achieve the EU standards in this chapter. Our goal is to ensure a sustainable economy and digitization of private and public sector services,” Deputy PM Marichikj said in his speech before the European Commission. Marichikj underscored the achievements so far in this area, emphasizing that we managed to introduce the European number for emergency services, E-112, which is currently being worked on for its proper implementation. He also said that the final versions of the draft National ICT Strategy 2021-2025 and the accompanying Action Plan have already been prepared, public was consulted and will be finalized in the following months, and that the implementation of the National Operational Broadband Plan will continue. In this regard, the Agency for Electronic Communications takes steps that will facilitate the conditions for the introduction of 5G and stimulate the entry of new technologies and operators. “Recognizing the importance of cyber security, we are also preparing the new National Cyber Security Strategy 2023-2027, with a special focus on building and improving national capacities for cyber security, security and critical information infrastructure protection, awareness raising and international cooperation,” Marichikj added. He also said that amendments to the Law on Public Sector Data Use will follow, in order to comply with the EU Directive 2019/1024 on open data and re-use of public sector information aimed at increasing transparency in public sector institutions, improving the efficiency of public administration work and contributing to reducing corruption at all levels. The explanatory screening for Cluster 3 – Competitiveness and inclusive growth begins with today’s explanatory meeting for Chapter 10 – Information Society and Media.