Skopje, 24 September 2024 (MIA) - Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi, European Affairs Committee chair Antonijo Miloshoski and Finances and Budget Commitee chair Sanja Lukarevska met Tuesday with Laima Liucija Andrikienė, member of the European Court of Auditors, with EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas and ECA members Tomas Mackevicius and Pietro Puricella also attending the meeting.

Talks focused on the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and expected benefits from its implementation in the Euro-integration process of the region and country, the Parliament said in a press release.

Interlocutors exchanged opinions on the reform agendas of the countries of the region, which adoption in EU institutions is a prerequisite for the financial assistance.

Special emphasis was put on the criteria regarding the rule of law, opportunities for economic growth, and improving capacities of institutions and administrations in the countries of the region, as candidates for full EU membership.

Speaker Gashi said that for the citizens of North Macedonia, as well as for the entire region, it is of great importance to experience concrete financial assistance from EU, as an incentive for further commitment to implementing reforms.

MP Miloshoski noted that the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans yields benefits for both sides, that is, countries in the region and EU, as a further impetus to enthusiasm for European integration.

MP Lukarevska stated that in the Parliament of North Macedonia, regardless of the political affiliation of MPs, there are generally no differences in terms of the country's EU membership, so the Growth Plan further strengthens that consensus. ssh/ik/

Photo: Parliament