Skopje, 28 March 2025 (MIA) - The message of the Growth Plan is very clear - it is a comprehensive offer from the European Union for the Western Balkans towards opening a new page in our relations. It involves a set of measures that offer progressive access to the EU Single Market, the joint regional market and a mechanism to stimulate reforms. The Reform Agenda within the Growth Plan is a remarkable opportunity for the country to get closer to the key benefits from Union membership and increase economic convergence prior to accession, said EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas at Friday's presentation of the measures from the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the Reform Agenda 2024-2027 for North Macedonia.

Ambassador Rokas congratulated North Macedonia for being the first country in the region to sign the agreement for payments under the Growth and Reform Facility and the excellent Reform Agenda it has produced.

"Enlargement is one of the European Commission's top priorities, and the Reform Agenda, along with the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), is the generator towards this goal. Let me be clear, the funds that we are providing are an addition to what is already there. North Macedonia should receive EUR 750.4 million under the Reform Agenda, in parallel with the IPA programmes that exceed EUR 500 million in grants. This is a remarkable opportunity for the country to get closer to the key benefits from Union membership and increase economic convergence prior to accession," said Rokas.

According to him, implementation of the Reform Agenda should lead to a triple win - tangible benefits for citizens, acceleration of the country's EU integration and additional budget resources as support to necessary reforms. Results will be assessed twice a year and funds will be released accordingly only if objectives are met.

"The Reform Agenda is not a replacement for EU membership, it is a tool to support the preparations for the country to join the EU. The Reform Agenda is not a cure for all diseases but a joint effort to implement required reforms that can transform the society. Speeding up the alignment of the values, standards, policies and practices of the EU for the purpose of functional institutions, transparent and accountable governance, green transition and sustainable development. The Government has pledged to the youth, the businesses, the NGOs and the media that it will advance reforms and bring tangible benefits for the country on its EU path. We will do this together and mobilize all levels of government while using the EU model for unity and solidarity," noted Rokas.

Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani referred to the importance of the communication and visibility plan regarding the Growth Plan, which is the key for successful reforms.

"A well-thought and implemented communication strategy is not only a formal step or an administrative task. Communication is the key to the reforms' success. Clarity and transparency are the prerequisites for citizens to feel that reforms are theirs and that Euro-integration is not a distant and abstract concept but a concrete and tangible opportunity for a better life. Through this plan, citizens will be able to clearly perceive the specific results and effects of reforms - from improvement of the business environment and opening of new jobs, up to better competitiveness and strengthened democratic institutions. In this way, the plan will not only improve the visibility of the activities we are realizing together with the EU but also enhance the citizens' trust in the reform process and the country's European future," said Minister Murtezani.

The communication and visibility plan has been drafted in close cooperation with the EU Delegation, it is a strategic document and a guideline for open and transparent approach to citizens and their involvement in the implementation of reforms. The plan's accomplishment requires setting up a specialized online platform for monitoring of activities and progress, along with public events, discussions and media campaigns, as well as creating a visual identity, namely a logo, that would be linked to any activity related to reforms and the Growth Plan.

"This plan is not only there for communication and visibility, it is a plan of trust and a common European future. Today, we are sending a clear message that reforms are our mutual challenge and joint responsibility. The Government should not walk the European path alone but together with its citizens and with the strong support from the EU and a vision that goes beyond current challenges. Our goal is not only to inform but to inspire trust and active participation of everyone involved in the European integration process. This trust is built through clear and transparent communication that is understood by everyone - students and youth, business community, media and policymakers," underlined Murtezani.

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