Skopje, 30 October 2024 (MIA) - President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova met Wednesday with EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas, who handed over the 2024 European Commission Progress Report for the country.

President Siljanovska Davkova said the Progress Report is an objective representation, a reminder and roadmap for the reform priorities and areas that require further progress, while giving a balanced assessment of the country's accomplishments, her Office said in a press release.

Siljanovska Davkova said the Macedonian institutions would dedicate attention to the report's recommendations and guidelines, adding that all capacities are currently focused on consistent implementation of reforms in key areas, economic recovery and countering corruption.

She welcomed the Growth Plan and noted it is of exceptional importance to demonstrate its effectiveness through acceleration of reforms, while using the full potential and maximizing the benefits for the citizens and the economy, thus mitigating the disappointments during the long-standing process.

The President voiced expectation that the new approach of gradual integration would continue in parallel with the accession process, leading to the country's greater involvement in EU processes, policies and programmes, as well as increase its readiness to efficiently undertake tasks arising from future membership.

Siljanovska Davkova also highlighted the importance of objective evaluation and implementation of the reform agenda, along with acceleration of the EU integration process based on the merit principle and the Copenhagen criteria.

She said EU full-fledged membership is the country's strategic goal that has no alternative, noting the importance of a fair accession process that takes into account the national pride and identity of the Macedonian citizens, reads the press release.

Photo: President's Office