Skopje, 10 November 2021 (MIA) – December is a key window of opportunity regarding the Western Balkans’ EU integration, and the process will not be credible if the progress of North Macedonia and Albania noted in the latest European Commission Report is not validated, along with the repeated recommendation that both countries have fulfilled the criteria for the start of the EU accession negotiations, agreed Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and Netherlands counterpart Mark Rutte in Skopje on Wednesday. Zaev briefed Rutte on the latest initiative ‘Open Balkan’ among North Macedonia, Albania and Serbia, aimed at demonstrating the joint capacity of the region and producing concrete benefits for the countries’ citizens and businesses, which is a complementary with the accession process and helps the countries better prepare for full integration in EU policies, the Government said in a press release. Rutte, who is the first Dutch PM to visit North Macedonia, expressed support for the ‘Open Balkan’ initiative, saying it should remain open for other regional states. Zaev voiced the Government’s satisfaction from the intensified high-level political dialogue in recent years. “The Netherlands is North Macedonia’s important partner in NATO. We have created strong bilateral ties and developed cooperation over the past 28 years. Moreover, the Netherlands has become our most committed supporter in our EU integration efforts,” said Zaev. He added the Government highly appreciated the encouraging messages of support coming from the Netherlands over the EU integration process. Interlocutors reaffirmed achievements related to strengthening of democracy and rule of law, with emphasis on the need for continued and committed implementation of EU standards and related reforms. Zaev thanked the Netherlands for its support in building North Macedonia as a European democracy, free society and free market economy, while highlighting the fact it is the largest bilateral donor, reads the press release.